Tao Te Ching

by Lao Tzu

Why should people be put to death for their mistakes? Even criminals can reform.

A journey of three thousand miles begins with a single step.

Try to re-shape a thing, and you will deface it; try to control it, and you will lose it.

The wise, accepting things as they are, deface nothing. Not seizing things, they do not lose them. While others, in their mad rush for wealth, are al...

To succeed, be as attentive at the end of an enterprise a...

Wise rulers live above without burdening the people; they guide without coercion.

When a person puts on a show, trying to appear great, their mediocrity is soon exposed.

Compassion leads to victory in battle and safety in defense.

Bring out the best in yourself, and you will bring out the best in others.

There is no mistake greater than making light of an enemy.

Through overconfidence, we make ourselves vulnerable.

When well-matched armies come to conflict, the one that is aware of its ...

Words have an ancestor—a preceding idea, and deeds have a master—a preceding purpose. As ideas and purposes are often misunderstood, so I am misunderstood.

Do not confine the people in tight quarters or they will chafe against your rule. Give them room to breathe, so they will not become restless.

Reckless courage leads to death. Cautious courage leads to life. These two things, courage and caution, must be balanced.

What good is it to threaten people with death? If capital punishment was an effective deterrent, no one would dare commit a crime.

When administering justice, be careful. The executioner is like a skilled carpenter at his trade. Do not try to take his place— for if you pick up the carpenter’s sharp tools, you are liable to cut yourself.

When taxes are excessive, the people starve. When officials are overbearing, the people rebel. When governments make life miserable, the people wish for death. Oppressive measures never achieve their intended results.

Those who are hard and inflexible belong to death’s domain; but the gentle and flexible belong to life.

Where are the wealthy who will use their riches to serve the world?

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

In a small country with few people, government is still necessary— but let it be very limited.

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.

Scholars are seldom the wisest people; the wise are...