Laozi quotes, with sources

The journey of a thousand li commenced with a single step.

He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent.

He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty.

He who is satisfied with his lot is rich.

He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm.

The soft overcomes the hard, and the weak the strong.

The tree which fills the arms grew from the tiniest sprout.

Gravity is the root of lightness; stillness, the ruler of movement.

The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest.

The partial becomes complete; the crooked, straight; the empty, full; the worn out, new.

The more that he gives to others, the more does he have himself.

There is no calamity greater than to be discontented with one’s lot.

He whose desires are few gets them; he whose desires are many goes astray.

It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full.

Gentleness is sure to be victorious even in battle, and firmly to maintain its ground.

Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear.