Laozi

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.

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.

He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.

To see things in the seed, that is genius.

Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.

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.

The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'

When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish.

Because of a great love, one is courageous.

Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.

The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.

He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.

Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.

When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'

Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.

Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.