Taoism quotes
545 quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.
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Browse quotes that often appear alongside taoism — connected by shared ideas and recurring themes.
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"The whole world says that my Way is great like nothing else. It is great because it is like nothing else. If it were like everything else, it would long ago have become insignificant."
"Obscure, like muddy waters."
"People are born soft and weak. They die hard and stiff."
"In the world there are four greats, and the king is one of them."
"He who treasures his body as much as the world can care for the world."
"Excellent soldiers are not furious."
"The forceful and violent will not die from natural causes."
"Weapons are ominous tools. They are not the noble ruler's tools. He only uses them when he can't avoid it."
"Weapons are ominous tools. They are abhorred by all creatures. Anyone who follows the Way shuns them."
"Battles are followed by years of famine."
"Those who advice the ruler on the Way, do not want the world subdued with weapons."
"Truly, only acting without thought of one's life is superior to valuing one's life."
"When people do not dread authorities, then a greater dread descends."
"To rule by knowledge ravages the country."
"If a great country yields to a small country, it will conquer the small country. If a small country yields to a great country, it will be conquered by the great country."
"As soon as rules were made, names were given. There are already many names. One must know when it is enough."
"In lightness the root is lost. In haste the ruler is lost."
"Can you gather your vital breath and yet be tender like a newborn baby?"
"A great country is like the lower outlet of a river. It is the world's meeting ground, the world's female."
"The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state's weaponry should not be displayed."
