Lao-Tzu, [Li Erh] (570-490 BC) 'Old Sage', Father of Taoism Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-14] of 14 Lao-Tzu quotesLao-Tzu QuotesLao-Tzu In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.~ Lao-Tzu Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.~ Lao-Tzu The more prohibitions you have, the less virtuous people will be.~ Lao-Tzu The more rules and regulations, The more thieves and robbers there will be.~ Lao-Tzu The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes consumed by their superiors. It is through this that they suffer famine.~ Lao-Tzu Try to make people moral, and you lay the groundwork for vice.~ Lao-Tzu A government can be compared to our lungs. Our lungs are best when we don't realize they are helping us breathe. It is when we are constantly aware of our lungs that we know they have come down with an illness.~ Lao-Tzu Good Government is not intrusive the people are hardly aware of it; the next best is felt yet loved; then comes that which is known and feared; the worst government is hated.~ Lao-Tzu Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking.~ Lao-Tzu To pretend to know when you do not know is a disease.~ Lao-Tzu Without law or compulsion, men would dwell in harmony.~ Lao-Tzu The more laws and restrictions there are, the poorer people become.~ Lao-Tzu The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.~ Lao-Tzu With virtue and quietness one may conquer the world.~ Lao-Tzu Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print