Inspirational Quotes by Zhiming Yuan

“When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue.”

“In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers).”

“In the next age they loved them and praised them.”

“In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.”

“Big trees grow from sprouts, tall buildings rise from mounds of earth; the loftiest heights start at your feet.”

“People are mysterious entities – try to take hold of them and you will only lose them. Thus, sometimes it is better to show the way, and sometimes it is better to follow.”

“that (the ideas of) height and lowness arise from the contrast of the one with the other;”

“Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!”

“All things under heaven sprang from It as existing (and named); that existence sprang from”

“It as non-existent (and not named).”

“What calamity is greater than no contentment, and what flaw greater than the passion for gain.”

“Colors blind the eye. Sounds deafen the ear. Flavors numb the taste. Thoughts weaken the mind. Desires wither the heart. The Master observes the world but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. His heart is open as the sky.”

“the more implements to add to their profit that the people have, the greater disorder is there in the state and clan;”

“Work at things before they’ve begun and establish order before confusion sets in, for a tree you can barely reach around grows from the tiniest rootlet, a nine-tiered tower starts as a basket of dirt, a thousand-mile journey begins with a single step.”

“Colour's five hues from th' eyes their sight will take; Music's five notes the ears as deaf can make; The flavours five deprive the mouth of taste; The chariot course, and the wild hunting waste Make mad the mind; and objects rare and strange, Sought for, men's conduct will to evil change.”

“They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;—such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters.”

“Nothing under heaven is as yielding as water. And yet in attacking the hard, the unyielding, nothing can surpass it. Nothing can take its place. The weak overcomes the strong, the soft surpasses the hard. In all the world, there’s no one who doesn’t know this, but no one can master the practice.”

“All things return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it which presides over their doing so;—it may be named in the greatest things.”

“The sages do not act from (any wish to be) benevolent; they deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt with.”

“Care about people´s approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back, the only path to serenity.”