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.
LAOZIHealth is the greatest possession.
More Laozi Quotes
-
-
Some lose yet gain, others gain and yet lose
LAOZI -
When people see some things as good, other things become bad.
LAOZI -
Fail to honor people, they fail to honor you.
LAOZI -
Wear down to be renewed.
LAOZI -
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 -
Heavy is the root of light.
LAOZI -
The wise man knows without traveling.
LAOZI -
…the more you talk of it, the less you understand.
LAOZI -
In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.
LAOZI -
I am wearied, as if I lacked a home to go to.
LAOZI -
When the Way is lost there is virtue. When virtue is lost there is benevolence. When benevolence is lost there is righteousness. When righteousness is lost there are rituals.
LAOZI -
. . . the mind is desperate to fix the river {of events} in place: Possessed by ideas of the past, preoccupied with images of the future, it overlooks the plain truth of the moment.
LAOZI -
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 -
He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.
LAOZI -
What people loathe the most is to be orphaned, desolate, unworthy. But this is what princes and kings call themselves.
LAOZI