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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

Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.
LAOZI

Action Begun Establish Happen Order
There was something that finished chaos, born before Heaven and Earth.
LAOZI

Earth Finish Heaven Something Taoism
To lead, one must follow.
LAOZI

Follow Leadership Must People Vlife
I have the mind of a fool, understanding nothing.
LAOZI

Knowledge Mind Understanding
What people loathe the most is to be orphaned, desolate, unworthy. But this is what princes and kings call themselves.
LAOZI

Abandon Kings People Sell Taoism
Softness triumphs over hardness, feebleness over strength. What is more malleable is always superior over that which is immoveable. This is the principle of controlling things by going along with them, of mastery through adaptation.
LAOZI

Mastery Principles Superior Triumph
He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.
LAOZI

Powerful Strength Strong Victory
He who loves does not dispute: He who disputes does not love.
LAOZI

Dispute Emotion Feelings Love
Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return.
LAOZI

Contemplate Heart Mind Peace
Giving birth and nourishing, Bearing yet not possessing, Working yet not taking credit, Leading yet not dominating, This is the Primal Virtue.
LAOZI

Country Credit Giving Lead People Tke
Return animosity with virtue.
LAOZI

Animosity Compassion Return Taoism
Happiness perches on misery. Misery crouches beneath happiness.
LAOZI

Crouch Happiness Misery
The sage is not ill, because he sees illness as illness.
LAOZI

Health Illness Knowledge Sage Taoism
Good words shall gain you honor in the marketplace, but good deeds shall gain you friends among men.
LAOZI

Deed Honor Marketplace Men
Those who act will fail. Those who seize will lose.
LAOZI

Fail Loses Seize Taoism
The farther you go, the less you know.
LAOZI

Country Emotion Knows Leadership People Wisdom

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.

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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.

Related Topics

Popular Authors

More Laozi Quotes