--- title: "21 Empty Quotes By Laozi" description: "21 Empty quotes by Laozi. Plus more from Laozi and more Empty sayings from other authors." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b4/laozi-147_empty_the-real-is-empty-and-the-empty-real-130_1304735.jpg" --- > [The real is empty and the empty real](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-real-is-empty-and-the-empty-real/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b4/laozi-147_empty_the-real-is-empty-and-the-empty-real-130_1304735.jpg) > [The Way is empty, yet inexhaustible, like an abyss!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-way-is-empty-yet-inexhaustible-like-an-abyss/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e93/laozi-147_abyss_the-way-is-empty-yet-inexhaustible-like_1124227.jpg) > [Empty your mind of all thoughts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/empty-your-mind-of-all-thoughts/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/770/laozi-147_empty_empty-your-mind-of-all-thoughts-3045618_3045618.jpg) > [Mold clay into a bowl. The empty space makes it useful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/mold-clay-into-a-bowl-the-empty-space-makes-it-useful/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c01/laozi-147_bowl_mold-clay-into-a-bowl-the-empty-space-ma_2322504.jpg) > [If you want to become full, let yourself be empty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-you-want-to-become-full-let-yourself-be-empty/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c3/laozi-147_empty_if-you-want-to-become-full-let-yourself_2949471.jpg) > [A vessel is formed from a lump of clay with care, however, it is the empty space within the vessel that makes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/a-vessel-is-formed-from-a-lump-of-clay-with-care-however-it-is-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a82/laozi-147_care_a-vessel-is-formed-from-a-lump-of-clay-w_1148199.jpg) > [Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/empty-your-mind-of-all-thoughts-let-your-heart-be-at-peace-watch-the-2/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e45/laozi-147_contemplate_empty-your-mind-of-all-thoughts-let-your_3083860.jpg) > [Be empty. Be still. Just watch everything come and go. This is the way of Nature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/be-empty-be-still-just-watch-everything-come-and-go-this-is-the-way/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d2/laozi-147_comes-and-goes_be-empty-be-still-just-watch-everything_1330478.jpg) > [When the palace is magnificent, the fields are filled with weeds, and the granaries are empty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-the-palace-is-magnificent-the-fields-are-filled-with-weeds-and/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/784/laozi-147_empty_when-the-palace-is-magnificent-the-field_1586062.jpg) > [He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserved-entire-he-that-bends-shall/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/445/laozi-147_empty_he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserv_14048.jpg) > [Yield and overcome; Bend and be straight; Empty and be full; Wear out and be new; Have little and gain; Have much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/yield-and-overcome-bend-and-be-straight-empty-and-be-full-wear-out/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94f/laozi-147_all-things_yield-and-overcome-bend-and-be-straight_649814.jpg) > [Is not the space between Heaven and Earth like a bellows? It is empty, but lacks nothing. The more it moves, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/is-not-the-space-between-heaven-and-earth-like-a-bellows-it-is-empty/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ce/laozi-147_earth_is-not-the-space-between-heaven-and-eart_1256870.jpg) > [Great accomplishment seems imperfect, Yet it does not outlive its usefulness. Great fullness seems empty, Yet it cannot be exhausted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/great-accomplishment-seems-imperfect-yet-it-does-not-outlive-its/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fba/laozi-147_accomplishment_great-accomplishment-seems-imperfect-yet_1843837.jpg) > [If you go searching for the Great Creator, you will come back empty-handed. The source of the universe is ultimately unknowable, a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-you-go-searching-for-the-great-creator-you-will-come-back-empty/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/laozi-147_all-things_if-you-go-searching-for-the-great-creato_987576.jpg) > [Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still. The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/empty-yourself-of-everything-let-the-mind-become-still-the-ten/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/300/laozi-147_animal_empty-yourself-of-everything-let-the-min_589436.jpg) > [When the ancient Masters said, "If you want to be given everything, give everything up," they weren't using empty phrases. Only in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-the-ancient-masters-said-if-you-want-to-be-given-everything-give/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/laozi-147_ancient_when-the-ancient-masters-said-if-you-wan_2568881.jpg) > [We put thirty spokes to make a wheel: But it is on the hole in the center that the use of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/we-put-thirty-spokes-to-make-a-wheel-but-it-is-on-the-hole-in-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21e/laozi-147_advantage_we-put-thirty-spokes-to-make-a-wheel-but_1036889.jpg) > [True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself. True fullness seems empty, yet it is fully present. True straightness seems crooked.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/true-perfection-seems-imperfect-yet-it-is-perfectly-itself-true-2/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f3/laozi-147_art_true-perfection-seems-imperfect-yet-it-i_2953631.jpg) > [Clay is fashioned into vessels; it is on their empty hollowness that their use depends. Doors and windows are cut out to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/clay-is-fashioned-into-vessels-it-is-on-their-empty-hollowness-that/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0e6/laozi-147_be-good_clay-is-fashioned-into-vessels-it-is-on_1760500.jpg) > [Thirty spokes meet in the hub, but the empty space between them is the essence of the wheel. Pots are formed from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/thirty-spokes-meet-in-the-hub-but-the-empty-space-between-them-is-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f3/laozi-147_clay_thirty-spokes-meet-in-the-hub-but-the-em_1076164.jpg) > [There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/there-was-something-formless-and-perfect-before-the-universe-was-born/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c7/laozi-147_all-things_there-was-something-formless-and-perfect_1669792.jpg) ## Other authors on Empty ## More by Laozi > [When you have accomplished your goal simply walk away. This is the path way to Heaven.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-you-have-accomplished-your-goal-simply-walk-away-this-is-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [In lightness the root is lost. In haste the ruler is lost.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/in-lightness-the-root-is-lost-in-haste-the-ruler-is-lost/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [If the sage wants to stand above people, he must speak to them from below. If he wants to lead people, he must follow…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-the-sage-wants-to-stand-above-people-he-must-speak-to-them-from/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Goodie-goodies are the thieves of virtue.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/goodie-goodies-are-the-thieves-of-virtue/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserved-entire-he-that-bends-shall/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Way of the Sage is to act but not to compete.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-way-of-the-sage-is-to-act-but-not-to-compete/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Do nondoing, strive for nonstriving, savor the flavorless, regard the small as important, make much of little, repay enmity with virtue; plan for difficulty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/do-nondoing-strive-for-nonstriving-savor-the-flavorless-regard-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Without looking through the window, you can see Heaven's Way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/without-looking-through-the-window-you-can-see-heaven-s-way/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Can you dissolve your ego? Can you abandon the idea of self and other? Can you relinquish the notions of male and female, short…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/can-you-dissolve-your-ego-can-you-abandon-the-idea-of-self-and-other/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [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…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-is-the-center-of-the-universe-the-good-man-s-treasure-the-bad/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [What's the difference between beautiful and ugly?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/what-s-the-difference-between-beautiful-and-ugly/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [In stillness the muddied water returns to clarity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/in-stillness-the-muddied-water-returns-to-clarity/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [He (the sage) is good to those who are good. He is also good to those who are not good. That is the virtue…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-the-sage-is-good-to-those-who-are-good-he-is-also-good-to-those/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [There is a thing inherent and natural which existed before heaven and earth. Motionless and fathomless, It stands alone and never changes; It pervades…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/there-is-a-thing-inherent-and-natural-which-existed-before-heaven-and/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [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…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/what-is-a-good-man-but-a-bad-man-s-teacher-what-is-a-bad-man-but-a/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "ItemList", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/empty/laozi/#itemlist", "name": "21 Empty Quotes By Laozi", "numberOfItems": 21, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The real is empty and the empty real", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-real-is-empty-and-the-empty-real/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b4/laozi-147_empty_the-real-is-empty-and-the-empty-real-130_1304735.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b4/laozi-147_empty_the-real-is-empty-and-the-empty-real-130_1304735.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b4/laozi-147_empty_the-real-is-empty-and-the-empty-real-130_1304735.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The real is empty and the empty real” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The Way is empty, yet inexhaustible, like an abyss!", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-way-is-empty-yet-inexhaustible-like-an-abyss/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e93/laozi-147_abyss_the-way-is-empty-yet-inexhaustible-like_1124227.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e93/laozi-147_abyss_the-way-is-empty-yet-inexhaustible-like_1124227.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e93/laozi-147_abyss_the-way-is-empty-yet-inexhaustible-like_1124227.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The Way is empty, yet inexhaustible, like an abyss!” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Empty your mind of all thoughts.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/empty-your-mind-of-all-thoughts/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/770/laozi-147_empty_empty-your-mind-of-all-thoughts-3045618_3045618.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/770/laozi-147_empty_empty-your-mind-of-all-thoughts-3045618_3045618.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/770/laozi-147_empty_empty-your-mind-of-all-thoughts-3045618_3045618.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Empty your mind of all thoughts.” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Mold clay into a bowl. 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Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Be empty. Be still. Just watch everything come and go. This is the way of Nature.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/be-empty-be-still-just-watch-everything-come-and-go-this-is-the-way/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d2/laozi-147_comes-and-goes_be-empty-be-still-just-watch-everything_1330478.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d2/laozi-147_comes-and-goes_be-empty-be-still-just-watch-everything_1330478.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d2/laozi-147_comes-and-goes_be-empty-be-still-just-watch-everything_1330478.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Be empty. Be still. Just watch everything come and go. 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He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that is worn out shall be renewed. He who has little shall succeed. He who has much shall go astray.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserved-entire-he-that-bends-shall/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/445/laozi-147_empty_he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserv_14048.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/445/laozi-147_empty_he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserv_14048.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/445/laozi-147_empty_he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserv_14048.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 11, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Yield and overcome; Bend and be straight; Empty and be full; Wear out and be new; Have little and gain; Have much and be confused. ...The ancients say, \"Yield and overcome.\" Is that an empty saying? Be really whole, And all things will come to you.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/yield-and-overcome-bend-and-be-straight-empty-and-be-full-wear-out/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94f/laozi-147_all-things_yield-and-overcome-bend-and-be-straight_649814.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94f/laozi-147_all-things_yield-and-overcome-bend-and-be-straight_649814.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94f/laozi-147_all-things_yield-and-overcome-bend-and-be-straight_649814.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Yield and overcome; Bend and be straight; Empty and be full; Wear out and be new; Have little and gain; Have…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 12, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Is not the space between Heaven and Earth like a bellows? It is empty, but lacks nothing. The more it moves, the more comes out of it.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/is-not-the-space-between-heaven-and-earth-like-a-bellows-it-is-empty/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ce/laozi-147_earth_is-not-the-space-between-heaven-and-eart_1256870.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ce/laozi-147_earth_is-not-the-space-between-heaven-and-eart_1256870.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ce/laozi-147_earth_is-not-the-space-between-heaven-and-eart_1256870.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Is not the space between Heaven and Earth like a bellows? It is empty, but lacks nothing. The more it moves…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 13, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Great accomplishment seems imperfect, Yet it does not outlive its usefulness. Great fullness seems empty, Yet it cannot be exhausted.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/great-accomplishment-seems-imperfect-yet-it-does-not-outlive-its/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fba/laozi-147_accomplishment_great-accomplishment-seems-imperfect-yet_1843837.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fba/laozi-147_accomplishment_great-accomplishment-seems-imperfect-yet_1843837.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fba/laozi-147_accomplishment_great-accomplishment-seems-imperfect-yet_1843837.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Great accomplishment seems imperfect, Yet it does not outlive its usefulness. Great fullness seems empty…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 14, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If you go searching for the Great Creator, you will come back empty-handed. The source of the universe is ultimately unknowable, a great invisible river flowing forever through a vast and fertile valley. Silent and uncreated, it creates all things.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-you-go-searching-for-the-great-creator-you-will-come-back-empty/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/laozi-147_all-things_if-you-go-searching-for-the-great-creato_987576.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/laozi-147_all-things_if-you-go-searching-for-the-great-creato_987576.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/laozi-147_all-things_if-you-go-searching-for-the-great-creato_987576.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“If you go searching for the Great Creator, you will come back empty-handed. The source of the universe is…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 15, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still. The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return. They grow and flourish and then return to the source. Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/empty-yourself-of-everything-let-the-mind-become-still-the-ten/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/300/laozi-147_animal_empty-yourself-of-everything-let-the-min_589436.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/300/laozi-147_animal_empty-yourself-of-everything-let-the-min_589436.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/300/laozi-147_animal_empty-yourself-of-everything-let-the-min_589436.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still. The ten thousand things rise and fall while the…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 16, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When the ancient Masters said, \"If you want to be given everything, give everything up,\" they weren't using empty phrases. Only in being lived by the Tao can you be truly yourself.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-the-ancient-masters-said-if-you-want-to-be-given-everything-give/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/laozi-147_ancient_when-the-ancient-masters-said-if-you-wan_2568881.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/laozi-147_ancient_when-the-ancient-masters-said-if-you-wan_2568881.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/laozi-147_ancient_when-the-ancient-masters-said-if-you-wan_2568881.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“When the ancient Masters said, \"If you want to be given everything, give everything up,\" they weren't using…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 17, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We put thirty spokes to make a wheel: But it is on the hole in the center that the use of the cart hinges. We make a vessel from a lump of clay; But it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful. We make doors and windows for a room; But it is the empty spaces that make the room livable. Thus, while existence has advantages, It is the emptiness that makes it useful.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/we-put-thirty-spokes-to-make-a-wheel-but-it-is-on-the-hole-in-the/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21e/laozi-147_advantage_we-put-thirty-spokes-to-make-a-wheel-but_1036889.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21e/laozi-147_advantage_we-put-thirty-spokes-to-make-a-wheel-but_1036889.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21e/laozi-147_advantage_we-put-thirty-spokes-to-make-a-wheel-but_1036889.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“We put thirty spokes to make a wheel: But it is on the hole in the center that the use of the cart hinges…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 18, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself. True fullness seems empty, yet it is fully present. True straightness seems crooked. True wisdom seems foolish. True art seems artless. The Master allows things to happen. She shapes events as they come. She steps out of the way and lets the Tao speak for itself.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/true-perfection-seems-imperfect-yet-it-is-perfectly-itself-true-2/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f3/laozi-147_art_true-perfection-seems-imperfect-yet-it-i_2953631.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f3/laozi-147_art_true-perfection-seems-imperfect-yet-it-i_2953631.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f3/laozi-147_art_true-perfection-seems-imperfect-yet-it-i_2953631.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself. 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Thus, while the existence of things may be good, it is the non-existence in them that makes them serviceable.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/clay-is-fashioned-into-vessels-it-is-on-their-empty-hollowness-that/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0e6/laozi-147_be-good_clay-is-fashioned-into-vessels-it-is-on_1760500.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0e6/laozi-147_be-good_clay-is-fashioned-into-vessels-it-is-on_1760500.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0e6/laozi-147_be-good_clay-is-fashioned-into-vessels-it-is-on_1760500.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Clay is fashioned into vessels; it is on their empty hollowness that their use depends. 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Walls with windows and doors form the house, but the empty space within it is the essence of the home.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/thirty-spokes-meet-in-the-hub-but-the-empty-space-between-them-is-the/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f3/laozi-147_clay_thirty-spokes-meet-in-the-hub-but-the-em_1076164.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f3/laozi-147_clay_thirty-spokes-meet-in-the-hub-but-the-em_1076164.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f3/laozi-147_clay_thirty-spokes-meet-in-the-hub-but-the-em_1076164.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Thirty spokes meet in the hub, but the empty space between them is the essence of the wheel. Pots are formed…” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 21, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is the mother of the universe. For lack of a better name, I call it the Tao. It flows through all things, inside and outside, and returns to the origin of all things. The Tao is great. The universe is great. Earth is great. Man is great. These are the four great powers. Man follows the earth. Earth follows the universe. The universe follows the Tao. The Tao follows only itself.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/there-was-something-formless-and-perfect-before-the-universe-was-born/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c7/laozi-147_all-things_there-was-something-formless-and-perfect_1669792.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c7/laozi-147_all-things_there-was-something-formless-and-perfect_1669792.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c7/laozi-147_all-things_there-was-something-formless-and-perfect_1669792.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. 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