Inspirational Quotes
Words to motivate, inspire, and guide you.
Lao Tzu Quotes
IntuitionProtectionWisdomPower The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.
LeadershipEmpowermentAchievement When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
TruthBeautyEthicsPersuasion Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.
StrengthPersistenceOvercoming Obstacles In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
IndependenceSelf-relianceIndividualism I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.
AdaptabilityStrengthResiliencePersistence Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.
SimplicityIntegrityFreedomJoyPresence 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.
ContentmentGratitudeAbundanceFulfillment 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.
KindnessConfidenceProfoundnessLove Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.
SimplicitySelflessnessContentment Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.
Inner WisdomSelf-KnowledgePerspective 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.
GivingReciprocityIntelligence If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.
ModerationBalanceSelf-ControlWisdom Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
GoodnessHumilitySelflessnessRewards The higher the sun ariseth, the less shadow doth he cast; even so the greater is the goodness, the less doth it covet praise; yet cannot avoid its rewards in honours.
LeadershipEmpowermentHumility 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.
LawTaoOrderBeing Man takes his law from the Earth; the Earth takes its law from Heaven; Heaven takes its law from the Tao. The law of the Tao is its being what it is.
GenerositySelflessnessBenevolenceHarmonyWisdom The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself. The Way of Heaven does one good but never does one harm. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete.
ChangeLetting GoFearlessnessAchievement 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.
WarMoralityHumanityParadoxVictory How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?
AmbitionAspirationRealism Ambition has one heel nailed in well, though she stretch her fingers to touch the heavens.
EnduranceSelflessnessLongevityHumility Heaven is long-enduring, and earth continues long. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves.
VirtueOrderDutyIntegrity If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.
HungerGovernmentTaxationInjustice The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes.
PowerMasteryDisciplineInner StrengthHumility He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.
AdaptabilityMindfulnessSurrenderEmbracing the JourneyLetting Go A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Small BeginningsIncremental GrowthConsistent EffortProgress All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.
ScholarComfortVirtueChallengeInaction A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.