Who was Lao Tzu?
You could also ask “Who was Laozi?”
Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, and has also has been referred to as Lao-Tze, and Laozi.
His given name was actually named Li Er. Laozi is a honorary title, which was romanized in many different ways leading to our name-confusion.
Either way, it’s all the same guy!
He is the author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism….However, in the mid-twentieth century, an argument was made by scholars that the person known as Laozi is doubtful to have actually existed and that that the Tao Te Ching was “a compilation of Taoist sayings by many hands”.
Of course, many others argue the opposite, and there is actually no way to know for sure!
What we do know is, no matter what name he goes by, and whether or not he actually existed, there are some INCREDIBLE quotes that he’s credited for.
These quotes are all simple and elegant, but at the same time make you think about yourself and your own views in a very deep way.
Expand Your Mind with this Essential Collection of Lao Tzu Quotes
When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves.’ -Lao Tzu
If you do not change direction, you may end up where your are heading. -Lao Tzu
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. -Lao Tzu
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. -Lao Tzu
He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough. -Lao Tzu
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -Lao Tzu
Great acts are made up of small deeds. -Lao Tzu
He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty. -Lao Tzu
The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself. -Lao Tzu
He who talks more is sooner exhausted. -Lao Tzu
Act without expectation. -Lao Tzu
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. -Lao Tzu
Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere. -Lao Tzu
More quotes from Jocko Willink, Navy SEAL and all around badass
If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence. -Lao Tzu
Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness. -Lao Tzu
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. -Lao Tzu
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. -Lao Tzu
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. -Lao Tzu
To lead people, walk behind them. -Lao Tzu
The further one goes, the less one knows. -Lao Tzu
He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know. -Lao Tzu
When you accept yourself, the whole world accepts you. -Lao Tzu
Remind yourself daily, there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. -Lao Tzu
He, who tries to shine, dims his own light. -Lao Tzu
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. -Lao Tzu
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-NG
Great post! Keep them coming!
Great thoughts by Lao Tzu.