Lao Tzu is a philosopher from Ancient China, who supposedly lived in the VI-V centuries BC. e. It is believed that it was he who wrote one of the most important Taoist philosophical works - "Tao Te Ching." Modern scholars question the fact of the existence of a philosopher. Despite this, in the scientific literature Lao Tzu is considered the founder of Taoism.
Philosophy of Tao
Before considering the statements of Lao Tzu, it is useful to devote a little attention to the teaching that he preaches in his writings. The Taoist way of life is a hermit. His adherent practices “silence,” “non-action.”
The philosopher considers universal emptiness to be his birthplace. He decides to master the highest knowledge in the process of impeccably following the Great Tao. On its way, Lao Tzu acquires three moral virtues: modesty, simplicity, and the ability to sympathize. With their help, the sage gains courage, breadth of his soul and the skills of a spiritual teacher. As a result, he becomes the Father of doctrine.
About thoughts
The ancient Chinese sage said the following about the thoughts of man:
Be mindful of your thoughts, they are the beginning of actions.
It is man’s thoughts that determine his actions, says Lao Tzu’s wise statement . That is why it is worth being extremely attentive to your thoughts. The existing fine line between thought and the beginning of active actions determines the future of a person. Therefore, everyone who is interested in their own future should listen to the advice of a wise philosopher.
Many of Lao Tzu’s sayings and quotes relate to his ability to control himself. For example, the following:
He who knows how to control others is strong, but who knows how to control himself even more.
In this phrase, the philosopher emphasizes that the ability to competently manage other people is a whole art that makes a person strong. But even greater skills from a person require self-mastery. And it is precisely it that gives strength, helps to develop an inner core in oneself.
On the relativity of profit and loss
Quotes, wise sayings and aphorisms of Lao Tzu teach that everything in human life is relative. For example, the following phrase says that any acquisition may actually be a loss. And the loss, on the contrary, is actually profit.
And a loss can turn into a profit, and maybe a profit turn into a loss.
It may seem to a person that the events that happen to him are a real disaster. But in fact, any loss can be turned into a profit - for this it is enough to find a plus in the current situation. This valuable skill helps you to be a winner in all circumstances.
About the desire to have
In his sayings, aphorisms and quotes, Lao Tzu teaches the correct attitude to material and spiritual things. The following phrase refers to the desire to possess something, which often embraces a person and brings him only suffering:
Free yourself from the desire to have.
Why does the sage speak about this in an imperative mood, as if giving parting words to his listeners? Undoubtedly, he wants the students to be kind, and will not tell them bad things. A person is often unhappy in his life for the reason that he wants to appropriate too much. Often, he makes plans for decades to come, wants to construct the reality that he likes. He wants to buy housing, build a family, be in a circle of communication with certain people. And when his plans are crumbling, he becomes truly miserable.
That is why the statement of Lao Tzu teaches not to become attached either to material things or to people. Indeed, often the “desire to have” refers not only to money or physical values. There are also such cases when a person certainly wants to “have” a different personality in his life. This often happens when, for example, parents do not want to let their already adult child into a free life. But in order not to feel miserable, they should internally free themselves from the “desire to have,” and give freedom to their children. The case considered is just one example illustrating a statement by Lao Tzu. In reality, there are a large number of such examples, and in all cases the suffering of a person is caused by material or emotional losses.
About misconceptions
The judgments of the ancient Chinese sage may sometimes seem too radical:
Man has long been in error.
But in reality they contain considerable wisdom. These words are similar to the words of Plato: "I know that I know nothing." People may believe that they know some information or knowledge, but over time it turns out that this truth was relative. Through this process passes as the whole of humanity, and a single individual. In the process of his life, everyone develops awareness, and the process of gaining new knowledge never stops. At the same time, getting rid of delusions always applies to a certain sphere of life - exactly where new knowledge is required. To develop awareness and get rid of delusions allows the practice of managing their inner experiences - in other words, meditation. One who is able to practice a calm presence is gradually becoming a habit of being relaxed. This means that his perception of the world becomes more accurate, and he gets rid of delusions.
About worthy people
Quotes and sayings Lao Tzu allows you to describe a portrait of a worthy person. For example, in the following phrase, the sage says:
The law of the worthy is to do good and not quarrel.
A decent person who respects himself and other people, in almost all situations, tries to control himself, not to enter into conflicts. Also, a noble person can be recognized by her desire to do good deeds. Lao Tzu in his statement says that for a worthy person this is the law. In other words, he is guided by a similar rule in any life situations.
A noble person will not boast
The following words of a sage refer to such a quality as modesty:
A worthy husband does a lot, but does not boast about what has been done; makes merits, but does not recognize them, because he does not want to reveal his wisdom.
A person with a sufficiently high self-esteem will not stick out before everyone his achievements or good deeds. He does not want other people to know that he has wisdom. The bouncer, on the contrary, is constantly striving to tell the whole world about what good deeds he has done today.
The one who boasts cannot be a worthy person. In fact, the aspirant who boasts of his achievements has a fairly low self-esteem. In order to feel good, he begins to tell everyone about how noble and kind a person he is. But such behavior suggests otherwise. The quality inherent in a worthy person is modesty - and this again reminds us of the phrase Lao Tzu.
About the ability to take the place of another
Lao Tzu said:
Never judge a person until you have come a long way in his shoes.
To take the place of another person is not an easy task. However, this is one of the most important skills, as well as an indispensable condition for internal harmony, psychological balance. People tend to condemn those who seem to them an unworthy person or villain. But who knows, if the condemning man went the same way as the object of his conviction, would he not become even worse and unworthy in this case?
In his statement, the sage Lao Tzu teaches empathy, or compassion. This skill is the ability to empathize with another person, takes its place. Compassion helps to understand why he did this or that act, why he expressed certain emotions.
A few more quotes
Consider a few wise sayings of this philosopher:
One who speaks a lot often fails, so it’s better to follow the measure.
The perfectly wise puts himself behind others, so that he is in front.
Vessels are made of clay, but the use of vessels depends on the emptiness in them.
In the quest for the ideal, do not forget to live!
The knowing one does not argue, the unknowing one argues.
These phrases teach the main laws of life, and make it possible to distinguish a wise person from a fool. For example, someone who constantly talks a lot, probably does not differ great intelligence. That is why the Chinese sage recommends observing the measure and refrain from unnecessary speeches.
The phrase about modesty is also useful. He who puts himself behind others ultimately comes first. In today's world, it is customary to refute this principle. But in reality, those who go over their heads are rarely happy.
Statements by Lao Tzu and Confucius
Many readers who are looking for quotes from the ancient Chinese sage Lao Tzu may be interested in the phrases of Confucius. Let's consider some of them.
If you hate, then you have been defeated.
Before taking revenge, dig two graves.
Happiness is when they understand you, great happiness is when they love you, real happiness is when you love.
We accept the tips in drops, but distribute them in buckets.
A noble person makes demands on himself, a low man makes demands on others.
The Chinese wisdom of both philosophers remains relevant to this day. Their phrases and sayings help to better understand themselves, other people and the world around them.