Inspirational Quotes by Zhiming Yuan

“that difficulty and ease produce the one (the idea of) the other;”

“May not the space between heaven and earth be compared to a bellows?”

“Therefore the sage knows (these things) of himself, but does not parade (his knowledge); loves, but does not (appear to set a) value on, himself.”

“The wise consider themselves “orphaned,” “widowed,” and “worthless.” Their humility is the source of their strength.”

“Live in a good place. Keep your mind deep. Treat others well. Stand by your word. Make fair rules. Do the right thing. Work when it's time.”

“One who knows does not say it; one who says does not know it. Block the openings, Shut the doors, Soften the glare, Follow along old wheel tracks; Blunt the point, Untangle the knots. This is known as dark identity. Thus you cannot get close to it, nor can you keep it at arms length; you cannot bestow benefit on it, nor can you do it harm; you cannot ennoble it, nor can you debase it. Hence it is the most valued.”

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present. When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”

“The more people have weapons, the more the state is in confusion.”

“Favour and disgrace would seem equally to be feared; honour and great calamity, to be regarded as personal conditions (of the same kind).”

“Whoever knows what is enough Will be happy with his fate.”

“When one gives undivided attention to the (vital) breath, and brings it to the utmost degree of pliancy, he can become as a (tender) babe.”

“he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will.”

“He who overcomes others is strong;”

“When it once has that name, (men) can know to rest in it. When they know to rest in it, they can be free from all risk of failure and error.”

“Great, it passes on (in constant flow).”

“When there is this abstinence from action, good order is universal.”

“Misery!—happiness is to be found by its side!”

“Its upper part is not bright, and its lower part is not obscure.”

“For to be over-developed is to hasten decay, and this is against Tao, and what is against Tao will soon cease to be.”

“He assists in developing people but he does not presume ownership over them.”