Strange & Unusual Sayings

25,443 sayings found

Therefore the sage manages affairs without doing anything, and conveys his instructions without the use of speech.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

When there is no desire, all things are at peace.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The more you know, the less you understand.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Recompense injury with kindness.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Recompense injury with kindness.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

He who is without desire sees the mystery. He who is with desire sees only the manifestations.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The world is a sacred vessel. It cannot be controlled. Those who try to control it will ruin it. Those who try to grasp it will lose it.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The world is a sacred vessel. It cannot be controlled. Those who try to control it will ruin it. Those who try to grasp it will lose it.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The sage puts his person last, and it comes first. He treats his person as an outsider, and it is preserved.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The sage puts his person last, and it comes first. He treats his person as an outsider, and it is preserved.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Abandon sageliness and discard wisdom, and the people will benefit a hundredfold.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Abandon sageliness and discard wisdom, and the people will benefit a hundredfold.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The uncarved block, though small, is nowhere in the world inferior. If princes and kings could but hold on to it, all creatures would submit to them.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The uncarved block, though small, is nowhere in the world inferior. If princes and kings could but hold on to it, all creatures would submit to them.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Therefore the sage holds to the one and becomes a model for the world. He does not display himself; therefore he shines. He does not assert himself; therefore he is known. He does not boast; therefore he has merit. He does not contend; therefore no o…

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Therefore the sage holds to the one and becomes a model for the world. He does not display himself; therefore he shines. He does not assert himself; therefore he is known. He does not boast; therefore he has merit. He does not contend; therefore no o…

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The reason why the river and the sea are able to be the lords of the hundred valleys is that they excel in taking the lower position. That is why they are able to be the lords of the hundred valleys.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The reason why the river and the sea are able to be the lords of the hundred valleys is that they excel in taking the lower position. That is why they are able to be the lords of the hundred valleys.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

When the great Tao is abandoned, there is humanity and righteousness. When wisdom and intelligence appear, there is great hypocrisy.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

When the great Tao is abandoned, there is humanity and righteousness. When wisdom and intelligence appear, there is great hypocrisy.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual