Laozi Sayings and Quotes

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

Clay is moulded to make a vessel, but the utility of the vessel lies in the space where there is nothing. Thus, taking advantage of what is, we recognize the utility of what is not. Laozi
All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power. Laozi
Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream. Laozi
Nurture the spontaneous peaceful life. Laozi
The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state's weaponry should not be displayed. Laozi
The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own. Laozi
Rushing into action, you fail. Trying to grasp things, you lose them. Forcing a project to completion, you ruin what was almost ripe. Laozi
Attain utmost emptiness. Abide in steadfast stillness. Laozi
When people do not dread authorities, then a greater dread descends. Laozi
Good walking leaves no track behind it. Laozi
Those who show off do not shine. Laozi
The more clever and cunning people are, the stranger the events will be. Laozi
He (the Sage) does not show off, therefore he shines. Laozi
Sometimes gain comes from losing, and sometimes loss comes from gaining. Laozi
When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance. Laozi
All things such as grass and trees are soft and supple in life. At their death they are withered and dry. Laozi
An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox. Laozi
Conclusions are ignorance arrested on the path to less ignorance. Laozi
Stop leaving and you will arrive, Stop searching and you will see, Stop running away and you will be found. Laozi
The good leader carries water for his people. Laozi
Good leaders reach solutions, and then stop. They do not dare to rely on force. Laozi
To manage your mind, know that there is nothing, and then relinquish all attachment to nothingness. Laozi
When family ties are disturbed, devoted children arise. Laozi
A good wanderer leaves no trace. Laozi
Pounding an edge to sharpness will not make it last. Laozi
Use your own light and return to the source of light. This is called practicing eternity. Laozi
The noble must make humility his root. Laozi
The subtlest of subtleties, this is the gateway to all mysteries. Laozi
The more you know the less you understand. Laozi
Knowledge of the eternal is all-embracing. To be all-embracing leads to righteousness, which is majestic. Laozi