Lao Tzu

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

The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.

Be the chief but never the lord.

Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

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 beginning of disorder.

Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.

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

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.

Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.

To lead people walk behind them.

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

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.

From wonder into wonder existence opens.

Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.

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

Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.

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

To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.

He who is contented is rich.

At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.