My 10 Favorite Quotes from The Tao Te Ching

Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher whose classic text, The Tao Te Ching, was written in the 4th century BC. This book provides the framework for the philosophical and ethical teachings that guide the religion of Taoism. In just 81 concise and easily comprehensible verses, Lao Tze shares pieces of wisdom that you can apply in your everyday life.

The simplicity and wisdom of the Tao Te Ching is beautiful. I'd like to share some of my favorite quotes from this text. Let me know which quotes are your favorite!

As a note for those who want to read The Tao Te Ching: there are several English translations. I found the translation by Stephen Mitchell to be very accessible and clear!

1.

“When you are content

to be simply yourself

and don't compare or compete,

everybody will respect you.”

2.

"Be content with what you have;

rejoice in the way things are.

When you realize there is nothing lacking,

the whole world belongs to you.”

3.

“Knowing others is intelligence;

knowing yourself is true wisdom.

Mastering others is strength;

mastering yourself is true power.”

4.

“A good traveler has no fixed plans

and is not intent upon arriving.

A good artist lets his intuition

lead him wherever it wants.

A good scientist has freed himself of concepts

and keeps his mind open to what is.”

5.

“Do you have the patience to wait

til your mud settles and the water is clear?”

6.

“There is no greater illusion than fear,

no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself,

no greater misfortune than having an enemy.

Whoever can see through all fear

will always be safe.”

7.

“There is a time for being ahead,

a time for being behind;

a time for being in motion,

a time for being at rest;

a time for being vigorous,

a time for being exhausted;

a time for being safe,

a time for being in danger.”

8.

“The best athlete

wants his opponent at his best.

The best general

enters the mind of his enemy.

The best businessman

serves the communal good.

The best leader

follows the will of the people.”

9.

“Ordinary men hate solitude.

But the Master makes use of it,

embracing his aloneness, realizing

he is one with the whole universe.”

10.

“The journey of 1,000 miles

begins with a single step.”