This post is all about Lao tzu’s profound quotes on life
Who doesn’t love a good quote to remind them about life’s importance and what really matters!
Sometimes all it takes are a few sentences or a few words to realign our emotions and bring some much-needed perspective.
WHO IS LAO TZU?
You have definitely heard or seen a quote from Lao Tzu that has resonated with you, but you might have wondered who he is or where this immense amount of wisdom came from.
Laozi or most popularly referred to as Lao Tzu is a Chinese philosopher and writer credited with being one of the founding fathers of Taoism.
Taoism is a Chinese philosophy and religion that believes in humans and animals living in harmony and balance with the natural flow of the Tao, or the universe.
Lao Tzu is most famously known for the profound book, Tao Te Ching, which translates to “Book of the Way”. The Tao Te Ching is a book of spiritual wisdom that helps to guide one to experience a more peaceful existence as we journey through life.
However, as respected and revered as Lao Tzu is, little is actually known about him and his overall existence.
Although we do not know much about his personal life, he has left a lasting legacy and let his words of wisdom speak for themselves.
Below are 39 of Lao Tzu’s most profound and inspiring quotes on life.
To see more inspiring quotes see related post: 25 Confidence Quotes to Remember How Powerful You Are
39 LAO TZU QUOTES
1. The wise person leads by remaining in the background. – Lao Tzu
2. If you are depressed you are living in the past; if you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace you are living in the present.
3. If you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you. – Lao Tzu
4. He who knows himself is enlightened. – Lao Tzu
5. To lead people walk behind them. – Lao Tzu
6. Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. – Lao Tzu
7. Stop thinking, and end your problems. – Lao Tzu
8. At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want. – Lao Tzu
9. To recognize your insignificance is empowering. – Lao Tzu
10. Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. – Lao Tzu
11. Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment. – Lao Tzu
12. A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. – Lao Tzu
13. I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. – Lao Tzu
14. Silence is a source of great strength. – Lao Tzu
15. When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. – Lao Tzu
16. Care about what other people think, and you will always be their prisoner. – Lao Tzu
17. He who knows when to stop does not find himself in trouble. He will stay forever safe. – Lao Tzu
18. He who talks more is sooner exhausted. – Lao Tzu
19. A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live. – Lao Tzu
20. When the student is ready the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready… The teacher will Disappear. – Lao Tzu
21. Because she competes with no one, no one can compete with her. – Lao Tzu
22. To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu
23. That which offers no resistance, overcomes the hardest substances. That which offers no resistance can enter where there is no space. – Lao Tzu
24. To recognize your insignificance is empowering. – Lao Tzu
25. Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. ―
26. Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. –
27. Quiet your mind and stop judging and resisting and manipulating the natural way. – Lao Tzu
28. Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. – Lao Tzu
29. Act without expectation. –
30. If you know how to be satisfied you are rich – Lao Tzu
31. He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. ―
32. There is no greater danger than underestimating your opponent.―
33. Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. – Lao Tzu
34. Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others; because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her. ―
35. A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. ―
36. If you are depressed you are living in the past; if you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present. ―
37. Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures – Lao Tzu
38. Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. – Lao Tzu
39. The way of heaven is to help and not harm. – Lao Tzu
FINAL THOUGHTS
Lao Tzu’s quotes are profound, thought-provoking, and gives you a new perspective on life.
Hopefully while reading one of the above 37 quotes, you found one that speaks to you!
Let me know some of your favorite quotes from Lao Tzu below in the comments!
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