Wisdom from Lao Tzu

Bits and pieces from the Tao Te Ching. No explanations needed.

The best leader is one whose existence is barely known

Next best is one who is loved and praised

Next is one who is feared

Worst of all is a leader who is despised

If you fail to trust people

They won’t turn out to be trustworthy

The wise person sets an example by

         Emptying his mind

         Opening his heart

         Relaxing his ambitions

         Relinquishing his desires

         Cultivating his character

Having conquered his own cunning and cravings

He can’t be manipulated by anyone.

Knowing others is intelligence

Knowing the self is enlightenment

Conquering others is power

Conquering the self is strength

Know what is enough, and you’ll be rich

Persevere, and you’ll develop a will

Remain in the center, and you’ll always be at home

The wise person acts without effort

And teaches by quiet example

He accepts things as they come

Creates without possessing

Nourishes without demanding

Accomplishes without taking credit.

That the birds of worry fly over your head

This you cannot prevent

But that they build nests in your hair

This you can!

The five colors blind the eye

The five tones deafen the ear

The five flavors overwhelm the palate

Fancy things get in the way of one’s growth

Racing here and there

Hunting for this and that

Good ways to madden your mind, that’s all

Relinquish what is without

Cultivate what is within

Live for your center, not your senses

If you compete with no one

No one can compete with you.