Character Quotes by Laozi

The greatest virtue is to follow the Way utterly.

— Laozi

When much virtue is achieved, nothing is not overcome.

— Laozi

Cultivate virtue in yourself, and it will be true.

— Laozi

The grandest virtue seems deficient.

— Laozi

Return animosity with virtue.

— Laozi

Build up virtue, and you master all.

— Laozi

The one who is filled by virtue is like a newborn baby.

— Laozi

The highest virtue seems as low as a valley.

— Laozi

Virtue in its grandest aspect is neither more nor less than following reason.

— Laozi

He who possess virtue in abundance may be compared to an infant.

— Laozi

Profound virtue is indeed deep and wide. It leads all things back to the great order.

— Laozi

He (the sage) is good to those who are good. He is also good to those who are not good. That is…

— Laozi

Being a model to the world, eternal virtue will never falter in you, and you return to the boundless.

— Laozi

When the Way is lost there is virtue. When virtue is lost there is benevolence. When benevolence is lost there is righteousness.…

— Laozi

Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habit.

— Laozi

The men who are great live with that which is substantial, they do not stay with that which is superficial; they abide…

— Laozi

The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.

— Laozi

Of all things, none does not revere the Way and honor virtue. Reverence of the Way and honoring virtue were not demanded…

— Laozi

To produce things and to rear them, To produce, but not to take possession of them, To act, but not to rely…

— Laozi

Giving to others selflesly and anonymously, radiating light throughout the world and illuminating your own darkness, your virtue becomes a sanctuary for…

— Laozi

The highest virtue does nothing. Yet, nothing needs to be done. The lowest virtue does everything. Yet, much remains to be done.

— Laozi

The first practice is the practice of undiscriminating virtue: take care of those who are deserving; also, and equally, take care of…

— Laozi

Throw away holiness and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times happier. Throw away morality and justice, and people will do…

— Laozi

Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course? Can you step back from you own mind…

— Laozi

Give up your relentless moralizing, the continual pinpricks which pierce the skin of your fellows. The distinction between good and evil is…

— Laozi

In order to contract, It is necessary first to expand. In order to weaken, It is necessary first to strengthen. In order…

— Laozi

When good thing are accomplished, it does not claim (or name) them. This is Te, which is close in meaning to power…

— Laozi

A skillful commander is not overbearing. A skillful fighter does not become angry. A skillful conqueror does not compete with people. One…

— Laozi

Prepare for the difficult while it is still easy. Deal with the big while it is still small. Difficult undertakings have always…

— Laozi

The sturdiest virtue seems fragile.

— Laozi

Goodie-goodies are the thieves of virtue.

— Laozi

When goodness is lost, it is replaced by morality.

— Laozi

Cultivate virtue in the world, and it will be universal.

— Laozi

To practice virtue is to selflessly offer assistance to others, giving without limitation one's time, abilities, and possessions in service, whenever and…

— Laozi

The men who are great live with that which is substantial, they do not stay with that which is superficial: they abide…

— Laozi

Why not simply honor your parents, love your children, help your brothers and sisters, be faithful to your friends, care for your…

— Laozi

The fourth (of the four cardinal virtues) is supportiveness: this manifests as service to others without expectation of reward. (Paraphrased: Such service…

— Laozi