Quotes from Tao Te Ching

Quotations follow the Stephen Mitchell translation (Harper Perennial, 2006) — our recommended edition.

1. 2

   The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.

2. 3

   Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.

3. 4

   The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

4. 5

   Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.

5. 6

   Those who know don't talk. Those who talk don't know.

6. 7

   Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it.

7. 8

   Governing a great state is like cooking small fish.

8. 9

   There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can take precedence of it.

9. 10

   The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest.

10. 11

    I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion.

11. 12

    The highest excellence is like (that of) water.

12. 13

    To know and yet (think) we do not know is the highest (attainment); not to know (and yet think) we do know is a disease.

13. 14

    Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere.

14. 15

    The tree which fills the arms grew from the tiniest sprout; the tower of nine stories rose from a small heap of earth.

15. 16

    Without going outside his door, one understands (all that takes place) under the sky.

16. 17

    Man at his birth is supple and weak; at his death, firm and strong.

17. 18

    It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full.