Words of Wisdom - Lao-Tzu

Lao-Tzu, a Chinese philosopher who lived aroung the time of Confucius, wrote the the Tao-te Ching. Within the chapters of this document, Lao-Tzu emphasizes the the need to minimize the power of the state. He is concerned with the freedom of the individual and the attributes of a true leader.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the Tao-Te Ching:

46

There is no greater illusion than fear,

no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself,

no greater misfortune than having an enemy.

Whoever can see through all fear

will always be safe.

53

When rich speculators prosper

while farmers lose their land;

when government officials spend money

on weapons instead of cures;

when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible

while the poor have nowhere to turn -

all this is robbery and chaos.

The more prohibitions you have,

the less virtuous people will be.

The more weapons you have,

the less secure people will be.

The more subsidies you have,

The less self-reliant people will be.

60

Governing a large country

is like frying a small fish.

You spoil it with too much poking.

67

I have just three things to teach:

simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures.

Simple in actions and in thoughts,

you return to the source of being.

Patient with both friends and enemies,

you accord with the way things are.

Compasionate toward yourself,

you reconcile all beings in the world.

75

When taxes are too high,

people go hungry.

When the government is too intrusive,

people lose their spirit.

Act for the people's benefit.

Trust them; leave them alone.