Lao Tsu was a philosopher of ancient China. According to Chinese tradition, Lao Tsu (also known as "Laozi") lived in the 6th century B.C. When reading these ancient words, it moves me to see how relevant and pertinent these words are to us living in the 21st century. What I personally take away from this is the universality and timelessness of the human condition, human mind and human spirit - that no matter how much progress our society and culture has made in the past two thousand years, at our essence we continue to experience and struggle with very similar emotions, confront similar internal and interpersonal frustrations, and very much share our ancestors' spiritual and existential questions:
At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.
Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.
Silence is a source of great strength.
To know yet to think that one does not know is best; Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.
To lead people walk behind them.
To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.
Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
