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Character Quotes by Laozi

37 Character quotes by Laozi

All Character quotes Laozi’s page

Laozi teaches that true virtue is like a quiet river that flows without force, yet it nourishes everything it touches. He warns that chasing after ‘goodie‑goodies’ steals virtue, while a sage offers kindness to both the good and the not good. Selfless service, he says, is the practical way to cultivate virtue, turning personal abundance into a shared, infant‑like openness.

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When much virtue is achieved, nothing is not overcome.

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The greatest virtue is to follow the Way utterly.

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Build up virtue, and you master all.

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The grandest virtue seems deficient.

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Return animosity with virtue.

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Cultivate virtue in yourself, and it will be true.

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The highest virtue seems as low as a valley.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Goodie-goodies are the thieves of virtue.

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When goodness is lost, it is replaced by morality.

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The sturdiest virtue seems fragile.

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

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

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

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

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More by Laozi

When you have accomplished your goal simply walk away. This is the path way to Heaven.

In lightness the root is lost. In haste the ruler is lost.

If the sage wants to stand above people, he must speak to them from below. If he wants to lead people, he must follow…

Goodie-goodies are the thieves of virtue.

He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that…

The Way of the Sage is to act but not to compete.

Do nondoing, strive for nonstriving, savor the flavorless, regard the small as important, make much of little, repay enmity with virtue; plan for difficulty…

Without looking through the window, you can see Heaven's Way.

Can you dissolve your ego? Can you abandon the idea of self and other? Can you relinquish the notions of male and female, short…

The Tao is the center of the universe, the good man's treasure, the bad man's refuge. Honors can be bought with fine words, respect…

What's the difference between beautiful and ugly?

In stillness the muddied water returns to clarity.

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

There is a thing inherent and natural which existed before heaven and earth. Motionless and fathomless, It stands alone and never changes; It pervades…

What is a good man but a bad man's teacher? What is a bad man but a good man's job? If you do not…