Find quotes from this poem, with commentary from Shmoop. Pick a theme below to begin.
Awe and Amazement Quotes
The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal name (1.1-2)
Humility Quotes
Heaven and Earth are impartial They regard myriad things as straw dogs The sages are impartial They regard people as straw dogs (5.1-4)
Philosophical Viewpoints: Wu Wei Quotes
Manage the work of detached actions (2.10)
Compassion and Forgiveness Quotes
Therefore the sages: Place themselves last but end up in front Are outside of themselves and yet survive Is it not due to their selflessness? That is how they can achieve their own goals (7.5-9)
Greed Quotes
Thus, constantly without desire, one observes its essence Constantly with desire, one observes its manifestations (1.5-6)
Warfare Quotes
The one who uses the Tao to advise the ruler Does not dominate the world with soldiers Such methods tend to be returned (30.1-3)
Power Quotes
In loving the people and ruling the nation Can one be without manipulation? [...]Raising without domination This is called the Mystic Virtue (10.7-17)
Knowledge and Wisdom Quotes
Intelligence comes forth There is great deception (18.3-4)