Tao Te Ching

by Lao Tzu

The earth and the stars do not take sides— they are impartial. They regard all individuals as insignificant, as though they were playthings made of straw. The wise are also impartial; to them all people are equal and alike.

The space between earth and the stars is like a bellows— it is empty but does not collapse; as it contracts, it creates. Gossips, by contrast, spew out words till they are empty, because they are not impartial.

True goodness is like water; it nurtures everything and harms nothing.

Everything that lives has a physical body, but the value of a life is measured by the soul.

But when great rulers lead, the people are hardly aware of their existence. How carefully wise rulers choose their words; how simple are their actions. Under such a government, the people think they are ruling themselves.

Nobles should find their roots among the commoners, for the high is always founded upon the low.

Wise rulers have boundless hearts; for in the hearts of the people, they find their own. The wise ruler treats the good with goodness; and treats the not-so-good with goodness, too— for goodness is its own reward.

Those who babble and meddle in other’s business cannot escape from trouble, even to the end of life.

Those who talk do not know; those who know do not talk.

The wise recognize the limits of their knowledge; the foolish think they know everything.

Monks and priests are often the worst sinners. Police officers and lawmakers are often the worst criminals.

True words are often unpleasant; pleasant words are often untrue. Those who know the truth do not argue about it; those who argue do not know the truth.