When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
¶ (Attributed)
Quotations by ...
Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
He who controls others may be powerful but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.
¶ (Attributed)
He who knows others is wise; He who knows himself is enlightened.
¶ (Attributed)
Rule a kingdom as though you were cooking a small fish -- don't overdo it.
¶ (Attributed)
Quarrel with a friend -- and you are both wrong.
¶ (Attributed)
People in their handling of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure.
¶ (Attributed)
A good manager is best when people barely know that he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him.
¶ (Attributed)
When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.
¶ (Attributed)
People are constantly spoiling a project when it lacks only a step to completion.
¶ The Way of Life
(trans R. B. Blakney, 1955)
The world is won by those who let it go!
¶ The Way of Life, Ch. 48
(trans R. B. Blakney, 1955)
Of the best rulers
The people (only) know that they exist;
The next best they love and praise;
The next they fear;
And the next they revile.
When they do not command the people’s faith,
Some will lose faith in them,
And then they resort to oaths!
But (of the best) when their task is accomplished, their work done,
The people all remark, “We have done it ourselves.”
¶ The Wisdom of Laotse, ch 17 (1948)
Trans. and edited by Lin Yutang
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WIST is my collection of quotations I find meaningful, moving, amusing (intended or not), well-phrased, and/or to which I just say I "Wish I'd Said That." But just because I quote it here doesn't mean I actually agree with it. If you have any comments, corrections, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to
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