Lao Tzu Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Lao Tzu quotes, Lao Tzu sayings, and Lao Tzu proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

As restrictions and prohibitions are multiplied the people grow poorer and poorer. When they are subjected to overmuch government, the land is thrown into confusion. Lao-Tzu
Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere. Lao Tzu
Without stirring abroad, One can know the whole world; Without looking out of the window One can see the way of heaven. The further one goes The less one knows. Lao Tzu
Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him. Lao Tzu
Those who are self-righteous are not prominent. Lao Tzu
When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you. Lao Tzu
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. Lao Tzu
The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Lao Tzu
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. Lao Tzu
The hard and mighty lie beneath the ground while the tender and weak dance on the breeze above. Lao Tzu
He who defines himself can't know who he really is. He who has power over others can't empower himself. Lao Tzu
Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing. Lao Tzu
When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you. Lao Tzu
Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you Lao Tzu
He who is in harmony with the Tao is like a newborn child. Its bones are soft, its muscles are weak, but its grip is powerful. Lao Tzu
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu
The cords of passion and desire weave a binding net around you. Worldly confrontation makes you stiff and inflexible. The trap of duality is tenacious. Bound, rigid, and trapped, you cannot experience liberation. Lao Tzu
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu
Simple in actions and in thoughts, you return to the source of being.  Lao Tzu
The people are hungry. It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes. Lao Tzu
At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want. Lao Tzu
The greatest conqueror wins without struggle. Lao Tzu
To understand the limitation of things, desire them. Lao Tzu
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. Lao Tzu
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. Lao Tzu
One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others. Lao Tzu
Displaying riches and titles with pride brings about one's downfall. Lao Tzu
Be the chief but never the lord. Lao Tzu
A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar. Lao Tzu