Lao Tzu

"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading."

"Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment."

"If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve."

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."

"From caring comes courage."

"He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty."

"I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures."

"In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present."

"It is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. He who does his duty as his own nature reveals it, never sins."

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

"Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides."

"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."

"Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses."

"Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power."

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

"Nature is not human hearted."

"One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others."

"People in their handlings of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure."

"Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength."

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

"The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days."

"There was something undifferentiated and yet complete, which existed before Heaven and Earth. Soundless and formless, it depends on nothing and does not change. It operates everywhere and is free from danger. It may be considered the mother of the universe. I do not know its name; I call it Tao."

"To know yet to think that one does not know is best; Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty."

"Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good."

"When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'"

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you."