When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
Author
Lao Tzu
69 quotations
About Lao Tzu
Laozi is the name traditionally given to an ancient Chinese philosopher, also identified as Li Er or Lao Dan, who is regarded as the author or originating teacher associated with the Tao Te Ching, one of the foundational texts of Taoism. Traditional accounts place him in the 6th century BC state of Chu during China's Spring and Autumn period, describe him as a keeper of archival records at the Zhou court, and remember him as an elder contemporary of Confucius. Modern scholars remain divided ove…
Read on Wikipedia → Find books by Lao TzuIn 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 completel…
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.
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
Silence is a source of great strength.
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 be…
The words of truth are always paradoxical.
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He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.
Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline simulated fear postulates courage simulated weakness postulates strength.
Silence is a source of great strength.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.
Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
It is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. He who does his duty as his own nature reveals it, never sins.
Nature is not human hearted.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.
How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?
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…
A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.