Reading about Taoism. Lao-Tse, founder of Taoism said ‘those who know, do not speak and those who speak, do not know’. So, by that criterion, can say something since I know very little! Taoism – one of greatest, oldest philosophies in China led by Lao-Tse and Zhuangzi. Their books Tao-Te-Ching and Zhuangzi are thought-provoking classics.
Taoism belongs to same era as Socrates, Plato in Greece. Lao-Tse was a 6th century B.C. philosopher. Well known pieces of wisdom:
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step”
“Great acts are made up of small deeds”
“Silence, stillness of mind, faith is a source of great strength”
“At the center of your being you have the answers, you know who you are”
“When the student is ready, the teacher appears”
“Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power”
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be”
“Harmony, balance of duality in nature (Yin, Yang)”
“If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked. If you want to become full, let yourself be empty. If you want to be reborn, let yourself die. If you want to be given everything, give everything up”
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love”
“All streams flow to the seas because it’s lower than they are. Humility gives it power”
‘Tao‘ is translated as ‘Wu Wei‘ or ‘The Way‘. The way things happen in nature is simplistic, natural, organic, compassionate. Flows without resistance, effortlessly in the zone. A wise guide on how humans, institutions can work. Creates pluralism, peace, purpose. Fascinating!