Zen Quotes: Tao te Ching

Tao te Ching - Lao Tzu

"Contentment that derives from knowing
when to be content is eternal contentment."

"It is necessary to be noble,
and yet take humility as a basis.
It is necessary to be exalted,
and yet take modesty as a foundation."

"The person of superior integrity
does not insist upon his integrity.
For this reason, he has integrity.
The person of inferior integrity
never loses sight of his integrity;
For this reason, he lacks integrity."

"Standing on tiptoe, one is unsteady.
Taking long steps, one quickly tires.
Showing off, one shows unenlightenment.
Displaying self-righteousness, one reveals vanity.
Praising the self, one earns no respect.
Exaggerating achievements, once cannot long endure
Followers of the Way, consider these."

"Do not conquer the world with force,
For force only causes resistance.
Thorns spring up when an army passes.
Years of misery follow a great victory.
Do only what needs to be done.
Without using violence."

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