Inspirational Quotes by Zhiming Yuan

“Therefore the sage, while he never does what is great, is able on that account to accomplish the greatest things.”

“Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao.”

“Therefore the sages got their knowledge without travelling;”

“gave their (right) names to things without seeing them;”

“The wise person acts but does not take credit. Leads, but does not rule.”

“Knowing constancy is enlightenment.”

“Use convention to govern a state, use surprise in waging war, use disinterest to take the world. How do I know this is so? When there are many taboos in the world, the people grow poorer and poorer. When the people have many weapons, the nation grows more benighted. When the people are very crafty, weird things arise more and more. The greater the articulation of rules of law, the more brigands and outlaws there are. Therefore a wise rulers says, “If I contrive nothing, the people will naturally be civilized. If I am fond of tranquility, the people will naturally be upright.  If I am disinterested, the people will naturally become rich.  If I want not to want, the people will naturally be innocent.”

“if I had not the body, what great calamity could come to me?”

“This is how they are able to continue and endure.”

“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.”

“Obscure as muddied water. But, with stillness, muddy waters clear. Can you also act while remaining still?”

“Laozi was an ancient Chinese philosopher. According to Chinese tradition, Laozi lived in the 6th century BC, however many historians contend that Laozi actually lived in the 4th century BC, which was the period of Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period, while others contend he was a mythical figure. Laozi was credited with writing the seminal Taoist work, the Tao Te Ching, which was originally known as the Laozi. Taishang Laojun was a title for Laozi in the Taoist religion. It refers to One of the Three Pure Ones. Source: Wikipedia”

“And in poetry, beauty is no ornament; it is the meaning. It is the truth.”

“He who has little can only gain, but gain too much and the way will be lost.”

“Nichts auf der Welt ist so weich und nachgiebig wie das Wasser. Und doch bezwingt es das Harte und Starke.”

“The best athlete wants his opponent at his best.”

“that the musical notes and tones become harmonious through the relation of one with another; and that being before and behind give the idea of one following another.”

“Cut doors and windows to make a room. Where the room isn't, there's room for you. So the profit in what is is in the use of what isn't.”

“Giving birth without possessing, animating without subjecting, fostering without dominating.”

“When people devote themselves to something they always ruin it on the verge of success. Finish with the same care you took in beginning and you’ll avoid ruining things.”