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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

He who loves does not dispute: He who disputes does not love.
LAOZI

Dispute Emotion Feelings Love
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
Heavy is the root of light.
LAOZI

heavy Light Root Taoism
When pure sincerity forms within, it is outwardly realized in other people’s hearts.
LAOZI

Heart Love People Realize
Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.
LAOZI

Action Begun Establish Happen Order
Not all spiritual paths lead to the harmonious Oneness. Indeed, most are detours and distractions, nothing more.
LAOZI

Detours Distraction Oneness Spiritual
The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
LAOZI

Cheish Sage Taoism
The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.
LAOZI

Flame Inspirational Long Philosophy
One cannot reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.
LAOZI

Inspirational Internal Peace Spiritual
When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder.
LAOZI

Deep Honor Inspirational Life
A multitude of words is tiresome, unlike remaining centered.
LAOZI

Multitudes Taoism Tiresome
Meet the difficult while it is easy.
LAOZI

Difficult Easy Meet Taoism
A foolish man is always doing, Yet much remains to be done.
LAOZI

Done Foolish Man Mad Result
Fail to honor people, they fail to honor you.
LAOZI

Fail Honor People
All men desire to free themselves solely from death; they do not know how to free themselves from life.
LAOZI

Desire Men Taoism Themselves
Conquering others requires force. Conquering oneself requires strength
LAOZI

Motivational Strength 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