Quote

What should be shrunken must first be stretched.

Laozi

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Laozi
Archivist
Philosopher
Writer
Lao-tze
Lao Tzu
Lao-tzu
Lao-tsu
Li Er
Laotze
Shrunken
Stretched
Taoism
Firsts
First
Must

More quotes by Laozi

Image
The things that have acquired unity are these: Heaven by unity has become clear Earth by unity has become steady The Spirit by unity has become spiritual The Valley by unity has become full All things by unity have come into existence.
Laozi
Image
As for the proper way: it is the beginning of disorder.
Laozi
Image
If you tell me, I will listen. If you show me, I will see. If you let me experience, I will learn!
Laozi
Image
Worlds and particles, bodies and beings, time and space: All are transient expressions of the Tao.
Laozi
Image
Solve it before it happens. Order it before chaos emerges.
Laozi
Image
The grandest virtue seems deficient.
Laozi
Image
The value comes from what is there, but the use comes from what is not there.
Laozi
Image
No disaster is worse than being discontented.
Laozi
Image
If you practice inaction, nothing will be left undone: For the way to acquire lordship over society is by invariably not interfering.
Laozi
Image
Does one scent appeal more than another? Do you prefer this flavor, or that feeling? Is your practice sacred and your work profane? Then your mind is separated: from itself, from oneness, from the Tao.
Laozi
Image
Moderation means prevention. Prevention means achieving much virtue.
Laozi
Image
Failure is the foundation of success: success is the lurking place of failure.
Laozi
Image
The people starve because those above them eat too much tax-grain. That is the only reason why they starve.
Laozi
Image
Realize thy Simple Self, Embrace thy Original Nature.
Laozi
Image
The sage honors his part of the settlement, but does not exact his due from others.
Laozi
Image
A good speaker does not stutter.
Laozi
Image
The Eternal generates the One. The One generates the Two. The Two generates the Three. The Three generates all things.
Laozi
Image
Greed for enlightenment and immortality is no different than greed for material wealth. It is self-centered and dualistic, and thus an obstacle to true attainment. Therefore these states are never achieved by those who covet them rather, they are the reward of the virtuous.
Laozi
Image
Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.
Laozi
Image
Having reached a high level of realization (or having accomplished anything in life), don't get excited or puffed up with pride but remain calm, humble, and in perfect equanimity if you want to continue in this deep state of consciousness.
Laozi