Lao Tzu quotes

Quotes by Lao Tzu

1. Motivation & hard work

   “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

   – Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (ch. 64)

   Meaning: Every big project starts with one small action. Don't be scared by how far you have to go – just take the first step.

2. Wisdom

   “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.”

   – Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, chapter 33

   Meaning: Understanding other people is clever, but understanding yourself is harder and more valuable.

3. Wisdom

   “Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.”

   – Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, chapter 56

   Meaning: People who truly understand something often stay quiet, while those who talk the most often understand the least.

4. Leadership & work

   “A leader is best when people barely know that he exists. Of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aims fulfilled, they will all say, "We did this ourselves."”

   – Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, chapter 17 (tr. Witter Bynner, 1944)

   Meaning: The best leaders don't need attention or praise. They guide quietly, so the team feels proud that it achieved the goal on its own.

   barely

   – only just; almost not

   aims fulfilled

   – goals achieved