Quotes

The sage has no invariable mind of his own; he makes the mind of the people his mind.

To those who are good (to me), I am good; and to those who are not good (to me), I am also good;--and thus (all) get to be good.

no calamity greater than to be discontented with one's lot;

Man at his birth is supple and weak; at his death, firm and strong.

He who knows (the Tao) does not (care to) speak (about it); he who is (ever ready to) speak about it does not know it.

Clay is fashioned into vessels; but it is on their empty hollowness, that their use depends.

The soft overcomes the hard; and the weak the strong.

He who is satisfied with his lot is rich;

He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty.

He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent.

The highest excellence is like (that of) water.

the journey of a thousand li commenced with a single step.