Lao Tzu Quotes

The sage desires no desire, does not value rare treasures, learns without learning, recovers what people have left behind.

The world calls for, and expects from us, simplicity of life, the spirit of prayer, charity towards all, especially towards the lowly and the poor, obedience and humility, detachment, and self-sacrifice. Without this mark of holiness, our word will have difficulty in touching the heart of modern man.

We should not feel pride in our charity, austerity, valour, scriptural knowledge, modestyandmorality for the world is full of the rarest gems.

The Way of the Sage is to act but not to compete.

Virtue would go far if vanity did not keep it company.

I'm not - I'm not a person looking for money. I have no political ambitions whatsoever. I don't seek power. I don't seek any kind of praise. I have no ego to fulfill.

For me, Charles Xavier is a monk. He's like a selfless, egoless almost sexless force for the betterment of humanity and mortality.

To desire and expect nothing for oneself and to have profound sympathy for others is genuine holiness.

Of myself I must say this: I never was any greedy, scraping grasper, nor a strait fast-holding Prince, nor yet a waster. My heart was never set on any worldly goods. What you bestow on me, I will not hoard it up, but receive it to bestow on you again.

It wouldn't bother me at all not to play on my own album.

A great man is always willing to be little.

A good commander is benevolent and unconcerned with fame.

I accept everything which is favorable for the people and the army; for myself, I wish to live in retirement.

If we had our priorities straight as a country, we'd consider leaving fame behind a mark of wisdom and character.

Giving birth and nourishing, Bearing yet not possessing, Working yet not taking credit, Leading yet not dominating, This is the Primal Virtue.

Take someone who doesn't keep score, who's not looking to be richer, or afraid of losing, who has not the slightest interest even in his own personality: he's free.

The truest self-respect is not to think of self.

Therefore, the truly great man, although he does not injure others, does not credit himself with charity and mercy (these are natural to him). He does not seek gain, but does not despise his followers who do. He struggles not for wealth, but does not take credit for leaving it alone... The ranks and emoluments of the world are to him no cause for joy, it's punishments and shame no cause for disgrace.

True words aren't eloquent; eloquent words aren't true. Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't wise. The Master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happier he is. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is. The Tao nourishes by not forcing. By not dominating, the Master leads.

The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.

[The seers call him wise] whose every attempt is free, without any desire for gain, without any selfishness.

What man has more than enough and gives it to the world? Only the man of Tao.

The sage never strives for greatness, and can therefore accomplish greatness.

The Sage expects no recognition for what he does; he achieves merit but does not take it to himself; he does not wish to display his worth.