The ruler attains wholeness in the correct governance of the people. Laozi More Quotes by Laozi More Quotes From Laozi Peace is our natural state of being. Laozi states natural If Heaven were not clear it might rend. If Earth were not firm it might crumble. Laozi taoism earth heaven All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power. Laozi humility sea giving Complete your task. Seek no reward. Make no claims. Without faltering fully choose to do what you must do. Laozi rewards tasks claims The more laws and orders are multiplied, the more theft and violence increase. Laozi violence law order In stillness the muddied water returns to clarity. Laozi clarity return water The sage governs by emptying senses and filling bellies. Laozi filling sage taoism Stillness is easy to maintain. Laozi taoism stillness easy The soft and weak can overcome the hard and strong. Laozi taoism strong overcoming Those who have hardened, have a covenant with Death. Those who remain gentle are conjoined with Life. Laozi covenant gentle animal The mature person perceives the fruitlessness of rigid, external methodologies. Laozi methodology perceive mature-person The scholar gains every day; the man of Tao loses every day. Laozi tao gains men Man is ruled by Earth. Earth is ruled by Heaven. Heaven is ruled by the Way. The Way is ruled by itself. Laozi taoism men heaven He who knows enough is enough will always have enough. Laozi giving-up enough inspirational He who is able to conquer others is powerful; he who is able to conquer himself is more powerful. Laozi diversity powerful justice The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world. Through this I know the advantage of taking no action. Laozi acting overcoming world In ancient times, those who followed the Way did not try to give people knowledge thereof, but kept them ignorant. Laozi ignorant giving people Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength. Laozi strength courage inspirational Just as the value of a house lies in its location, The value of a mind lies in its depth, The value of giving lies in the presence of a generous spirit, The value of words lies in their reliability. Laozi generous-spirit giving lying Simplicity, patience, compassion. Laozi patience philosophy life
