Strange & Unusual Sayings

1,654 sayings found from the Ancient era

A great nation is like a great man: When he makes a mistake, he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it. He considers those who point out his faults as his most benevolent teachers. He thinks of his enemies a…

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

A great nation is like a great man: When he makes a mistake, he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it. He considers those who point out his faults as his most benevolent teachers. He thinks of his enemies a…

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The more prohibitions there are, the poorer the people become. The more sharp weapons the people have, the more troubled the state becomes. The more cunning and skill man possesses, the more peculiar things appear. The more laws are promulgated, the …

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The more prohibitions there are, the poorer the people become. The more sharp weapons the people have, the more troubled the state becomes. The more cunning and skill man possesses, the more peculiar things appear. The more laws are promulgated, the …

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The great square has no corners. The great vessel takes a long time to complete. The great sound is faint. The great image has no form.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The great square has no corners. The great vessel takes a long time to complete. The great sound is faint. The great image has no form.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Act without doing; work without effort.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Act without doing; work without effort.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Therefore the sage manages affairs without doing anything, and conveys his instructions without the use of speech.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Therefore the sage manages affairs without doing anything, and conveys his instructions without the use of speech.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

When there is no desire, all things are at peace.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

The more you know, the less you understand.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Recompense injury with kindness.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

Recompense injury with kindness.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual

He who is without desire sees the mystery. He who is with desire sees only the manifestations.

— Laozi c. 6th-4th century BCE
Strange & Unusual