"When people are unsettled, loyal ministers arise."
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Taoism quotes
Taoism
545 quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.
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Taoism quotes (page 20 of 28)
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"Dignified, like a guest."
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"Wary, as if surrounded by strangers."
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"He (the sage) wants all things to follow their own nature, but dares not act."
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"Of all things, none does not revere the Way and honor virtue. Reverence of the Way and honoring virtue were not demanded of them, but it is in their nature."
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"What the Way is to the world, the stream is to the river and the sea."
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"All things flourish, and each returns to its source."
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"The one who rules like the mother lasts long."
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"Although there are weapons for tens and hundreds of soldiers, they will not be used."
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"When equal armies battle, the grieving one will be victorious."
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"Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, but would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, but would rather retreat a foot."
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"There is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands."
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"By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule."
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"Profound virtue is indeed deep and wide. It leads all things back to the great order."
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"Excellent conquerors do not engage."
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"Can you open and close the gate of Heaven and act like a woman?"
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"The valley spirit never dies. It is called the mystical female."
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"Where there is no conflict, there is no fault."
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"To be of few words is natural."
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"Those who are quiet value the words. When their task is completed, people will say: We did it ourselves."
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