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Clay is used to make vases, but it is the emptiness they contain that makes them useful.

Laozi

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Laozi
Archivist
Philosopher
Writer
Lao-tze
Lao Tzu
Lao-tzu
Lao-tsu
Li Er
Laotze
Useful
Makes
Used
Make
Vases
Contain
Clay
Emptiness

More quotes by Laozi

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So sometimes things are ahead and sometimes they are behind Sometimes breathing is hard, sometimes it comes easily Sometimes there is strength and sometimes weakness Sometimes one is up and sometimes down. Therefore the sage avoids extremes, excesses, and complacency.
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Praise and disgrace cause fear.
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We hammer wood for a house, but it is the inner space that makes it liveable.
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He who regards many things easy will find many difficulties. Therefore the sage regards things difficult, and consequently never has difficulties.
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A violent wind does not last for a whole morning.
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The unyielding army will not win.
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As it acts in the world, the Tao is like the bending of a bow. The top is bent downward the bottom is bent up. It adjusts excess and deficiency so that there is perfect balance.
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The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.
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Therefore: In dwelling, choose modest quarters, in thinking, value stillness, in dealing with others, be kind, in choosing words, be sincere, in leading, be just, in working, be competent, in acting, choose the correct timing. Follow these words and there will be no error.
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Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course? Can you step back from you own mind and thus understand all things? Giving birth and nourishing, having without possessing, acting with no expectations, leading and not trying to control: this is the supreme virtue.
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Ancient masters of excellence had a subtle essence, and a depth too profound to comprehend.
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The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.
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Conquering others takes force, conquering yourself is true strength.
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To know people is wisdom, but to know yourself is enlightenment. to master people takes force, but to master yourself takes strength. to know contentment is wealth, and to live with strength resolve. to never leave whatever you are is to abide, and to die without getting lost- that is to live on and on.
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In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In daily life, be competent. In action, be aware of the time and the season.
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The sage does not act and therefore does not fail, does not seize and therefore does not lose.
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The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.
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Those who would take over the earth and shape it to their will, never, I notice succeed.
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The natural laws of the universe are inviolable... what you say and do determines what happens in your life... You are the master of your life and death. What you do is what you are.
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All things in the world come from being. And being comes from non-being.
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