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The True Person benefits yet expects no reward, does the work and moves on. There is no desire to be considered better than others.

Laozi

In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.
LAOZI

Age Next People Praise
Those who act will fail. Those who seize will lose.
LAOZI

Fail Loses Seize Taoism
Meet the big while it is small.
LAOZI

Big People Small Taoism
What resists, persists.
LAOZI

Emotions Feel Persist Resist
A tree that is unbending, is easily broken.
LAOZI

Acceptance Broken Heart Tree
When the highest type of people hear Tao (Truth), they diligently practice it. When the average type of people hear Tao, they half believe in it. When the lowest type of people hear Tao, they laugh at it. If they did not laugh, it would not be Tao.
LAOZI

Average Believe Diligently Practice
The world is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering.
LAOZI

Courses Go Letting World
Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.
LAOZI

Action Begun Establish Happen Order
Some lose yet gain, others gain and yet lose
LAOZI

Gain Inspirational Lose People Some
Every step is on the path.
LAOZI

Every Follow Journey Path Step Taoism
Why is the sea king of a hundred streams? Because it lies below them… If the sage would guide the people, he must serve with humility. If he would lead them, he must follow behind. In this way when the sage rules, the people will not feel oppressed.
LAOZI

Below Humility King Lying People
The wise man knows he doesn’t know.
LAOZI

Clevar Know Men Understand Wise
The Great Tao flows everywhere, to the left and to the right, all things depend on it to exist, and it does not abandon them. To its accomplishments it lays no claims. It loves and nourished all things, but does not lord it over them.
LAOZI

Abandon Accomplishment Inspirational
The seed of mystery lies in muddy water. How can I perceive this mystery? Water becomes clear through stillness. How can I become still? By flowing with the stream.
LAOZI

Lying Mystery Stillness Water
Loss is not as bad as wanting more.
LAOZI

Loss More Require Taoism
He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that is worn out shall be renewed. He who has little shall succeed. He who has much shall go astray.
LAOZI

Empty Entire Humility Little Succeed

The True Person benefits yet expects no reward, does the work and moves on. There is no desire to be considered better than others.

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The True Person benefits yet expects no reward, does the work and moves on. There is no desire to be considered better than others.

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Popular Authors

More Laozi Quotes