Lowliness Quotes by Laozi

14 Lowliness quotes by Laozi

Laozi’s ancient lens on lowliness is both humble and sharp. In this brief collection of 14 verses, his paradoxical wisdom invites readers to reconsider the value of modesty and restraint.

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Goodness strives not, and therefore it is not rebuked.

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Gentleness brings victory to him who attacks, and safety to him who defends. Those whom Heaven would save, it fences round with…

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He who, conscious of being strong, is content to be weak, he shall be the paragon of mankind. Being the paragon of…

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Thus it is that "Some things are increased by being diminished, others are diminished by being increased." What others have taught, I…

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The Sage expects no recognition for what he does; he achieves merit but does not take it to himself; he does not…

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But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance;…

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The reason why rivers and seas are able to be lords over a hundred mountain streams, is that they know how to…

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Therefore the Sage embraces Unity, and is a model for all under Heaven. He is free from self-display, therefore he shines forth;…

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He who is great must make humility his base. He who is high must make lowliness his foundation. Thus, princes and kings…

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What makes a kingdom great is its being like a down-flowing river,--the central point towards which all the smaller streams under Heaven…

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The best soldiers are not warlike; the best fighters do not lose their temper. The greatest conquerors are those who overcome their…

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Therefore the Sage, wishing to be above the people, must by his words put himself below them; wishing to be before the…

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

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Therefore, if a great kingdom humbles itself before a small kingdom, it shall make that small kingdom its prize. And if a…

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

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

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

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Goodie-goodies are the thieves of virtue.

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

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

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

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

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

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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…

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What's the difference between beautiful and ugly?

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In stillness the muddied water returns to clarity.

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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 the virtue…

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

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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…

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