Lao Tzu's (whose existence is in doubt), work contains words of wisdom. Which words of his inspire you?

Question

He thought human beings should avoid striving after worldly goals. We of course know this is difficult.
I like the fact he thought man and nature are one. I think we forget that...

Answer 1

The way to do is to be - Lao Tzu (6th c BC)

Answer 2

Why do we need to look to famous dead men, or even those whose existence is in doubt, for words of wisdom. I see many people carrying around little books of quotations by Mahatma Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King, etc. and referring to them whenever faced with a particular situation.

Wisdom from 3500 years ago is not necessarily valid now. Why can't we just think for ourselves.

Who gave these wise men their authority anyway.There were probably just as many wise men in Lao Tzu's time who did not bother to make a show of their wisdom.

Answer 3

Those who Know do Not talk.
Those who talk do not know.

Keep Your Mouth Closed.
Guard Your Senses.
Temper Your Sharpness.
Simplify Your Problems.
Mask Your Brightness.
Be at One with the Dust of the Earth.
This is Primal Union.

He who has Achieved this State
Is Unconcerned with Friends and Enemies,
With Good and Harm,With Honor and Disgrace.
This Therefore is the Highest State of Man.

Enjoy.

Uncle Mike

Answer 4

I think this quote Stan Rosenthal's Tao translation Is interesting.
Therefore, even when he seems to act
in manner kind or benevolent,the sage
is not acting with such intent,for in
conscious matters such as these,he is
amoral and indifferent (With out intention).
The quote makes me wonder, if a sensitive person, who goes out of the way to be kind, is acting out of instinct and nature or acting out of kindness and empathy.

Answer 5

If you want to become whole,
first let yourself become broken.
If you want to become straight,
first let yourself become twisted.
If you want to become full,
first let yourself become empty.
If you want to become new,
first let yourself become old.
Those whose desires are few gets them,
those whose desires are great go astray.

For this reason the Master embraces the Tao,
as an example for the world to follow.
Because she isn't self centered,
people can see the light in her.
Because she does not boast of herself,
she becomes a shining example.
Because she does not glorify herself,
she becomes a person of merit.
Because she wants nothing from the world,
the world can not overcome her.

When the ancient Masters said,
"If you want to become whole,
then first let yourself be broken,"
they weren't using empty words.
All who do this will be made complete.

-Ch 22, Tao Te Ching

Answer 6

道常无为而无不为
he lived in he nan province in china no doubt

Answer 7

'govern a great nation as you would fry a small fish'

Answer 8

"Seek not happiness too greedily, and be not fearful of happiness."


"Stop thinking, and end your problems."

Answer 9

"Doh!"

:)