Echoes

Do not mistake yourself by believing that your being has something in it more exalted than that of others.

To account nothing of one’s self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom.

I know that I know nothing.

If the public thought elevates you above the generality of men, let the other humble you, and hold you in a perfect equality with all mankind, for this is your natural condition.

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't wise. The Master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happier he is. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is. The Tao nourishes by not forcing. By not dominating, the Master leads.

I do not speak the minds of others except to speak my own mind better.

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.

You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean, in a drop.

He plants trees whose shade another age will enjoy.

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.

Insist on yourself; never imitate.

If you act externally with men in conformity with your rank, you should recognize, by a more secret but truer thought, that you have nothing naturally superior to them.

The only real, dignified, human doctrine is the greatest good of all, and this can only be achieved by uttermost self-sacrifice.

Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.

The worst lesson that can be taught a man is to rely upon others and to whine over his sufferings.

Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.

There are two sentences inscribed upon the Delphic oracle, hugely accommodated to the usages of man's life: "Know thyself," and "Nothing too much;" and upon these all other precepts depend.

If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.

He is truly great that is great in charity. He is truly great that is little in himself, and maketh no account of any height of honor. And he is truly learned that doeth the will of God, and forsaketh his own will.

Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.

It would be better for me that the whole world should disagree with me than that I, being one, should be out of harmony with myself.

The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.