Without a doubt, you’ve heard his name before.
Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher born around the fourth or fifth century B.C. and who authored the Tao Te Ching, has for some time in the West been a household name. Without a doubt, that speaks to the impact he’s had on the world as a whole, given the fact that he was able to travel halfway around the world and impart his wisdom so expansively after having passed over 2,500 years ago.
I can’t speak for ages past, but I can say with certainty that we have a greater need for Lao Tzu’s wisdom today, in a world filled with turmoil and strife, then I’ve ever seen. Lao Tzu’s wisdom rings with both a practicality and depth that makes his words both significantly valuable and often easy to apply (or at least see how they can be applied so you can take action on them).
Over the past 25 centuries, there have been many translations of Lao Tzu’s work, and there’s no agreement as to what the most accurate of those translations is, but in my experience, his work is no less impactful no matter what version you read.
Here are twenty of the best Lao Tzu quotes to inspire greatness in you and instill his timeless wisdom.
Here Are 20 Lao Tzu Quotes to Inspire Greatness and Instill Wisdom
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.
The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.
Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.
The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.
Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.
Those who know do not say. Those who say do not know.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
People in their handlings of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure.
Great acts are made up of small deeds.
A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.