Laozi

Historical details about Laozi are scarce and debated. He is traditionally credited as the author of the Dao De Jing, a foundational Daoist text; this quote emphasizes the Dao as an inexhaustible, creative source.

Quotes by Laozi

Quotes: 10

Hold fast to the way of antiquity to master what exists today. To be able to know the beginnings of antiquity is called the guiding thread of the Way. - Laozi

Antiquity as a Guide for Today’s Way

Created on: 12/17/2025

Be startled by favor and disgrace; value great trouble as you value your own body. - Laozi

Equanimity Amid Favor, Disgrace, and Trouble

Created on: 12/17/2025

The five colors make people’s eyes blind; the five tones make people’s ears deaf; the five flavors make people’s mouths dull; galloping about in hunting fields makes people’s minds go mad; goods hard to come by make people’s conduct be hindered. Therefore the sage provides for the belly and not for the eyes; thus he discards that and takes this. - Laozi

Laozi on Senses, Desire, and Simplicity

Created on: 12/13/2025

Thirty spokes share a single hub;
because of its emptiness, the cart is useful.
– Laozi

Finding Power and Possibility in Empty Space

Created on: 11/22/2025

He gives them life and nurtures them,
produces without possessing,
acts without presuming on his deeds,
leads without dominating—
this is called mysterious virtue.

Leading Without Possessing: The Power of Empty Authority

Created on: 11/19/2025

When gold and jade fill the halls, no one can guard them; to be rich and proud is to bring misfortune upon oneself. When achievement is complete, withdraw from the body—this is the way of Heaven. - Laozi

Knowing When to Withdraw From Success

Created on: 11/19/2025

The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things and does not contend; it dwells in places that people disdain, and thus is close to the Dao. - Laozi

Like Water: Laozi’s Vision of Effortless Goodness

Created on: 11/10/2025

Heaven and earth endure. The reason heaven and earth can be long and lasting is that they do not live for themselves; therefore they can long endure. - Laozi

Why Heaven and Earth Endure: Selfless Continuity

Created on: 11/10/2025

The valley spirit never dies; it is called the mysterious female. The gate of the mysterious female is called the root of Heaven and Earth. Unceasing, as if it were there; use it, and it never fails. - Laozi

Root of Heaven: The Mysterious Female Gate

Created on: 11/10/2025

The Dao is empty; when used, it is never filled. Deep, it seems to be the source of the myriad things. - Laozi

Emptiness as the Inexhaustible Source of Being

Created on: 11/9/2025