Philosophical Sayings

348 sayings found from the Ancient era from 12 authors

The more you prohibit, the more evil there will be.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

He who knows glory, yet keeps to ignominy, is the valley of the world.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

No thought, no action, no movement, total stillness: only thus can one manifest the true nature and law of things... and at last become one with heaven and earth.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

I do not act, and people become reformed by themselves. I am at peace, and people become fair by themselves. I do not interfere, and people become rich by themselves.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

Seal the openings, shut the doors, and until your last day you will not be exhausted. Widen the openings, interfere, and until your last day you will not be safe.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

The more prohibitions there are, the poorer the people will be. The more sharp weapons the people have, the more trouble there will be in the country. The more clever and skillful man is, the more strange things will appear. The more laws are promulg…

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

The best of men is like water. Water benefits all things and does not compete with them. It dwells in lowly places that all disdain. This is why it is so near to the Tao.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

When the best student hears about the Way, he practices it diligently. When the average student hears about the Way, he is half-hearted. When the worst student hears about the Way, he laughs out loud. If he didn't laugh, it wouldn't be the Way.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of the world, but let your serenity remain. Return to the root. This is tranquility. This is returning to your destiny.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Philosophical

You shall have no other gods before Me.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical

Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical

Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical

See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical

The Eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical

You shall not spread a false report.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical

You shall not follow a majority in wrongdoing.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical

You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

— Moses c. 13th Century BCE (Traditional)
Philosophical
Your Cart

Your cart is empty