Ancient Eastern Philosophers

Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.

—Miyamoto Musashi

Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

—Sun Tzu

Therefore the Master takes action by letting things take their course.

—Laozi

Know yourself and you will win all battles.

—Sun Tzu

She lets them go their own way, and resides at the center of the circle.

—Laozi

The soft and supple will prevail.

—Laozi

If you want to learn how to govern, avoid being clever or rich.

—Laozi

Great results, can be achieved with small forces.

—Sun Tzu

There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.

—Laozi

Wise men don’t need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren’t wise.

—Laozi

The whole world is grateful to her.

—Laozi

Yielding is the way of the Tao.

—Laozi

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

—Sun Tzu

Throw away morality and justice, and people will do the right thing.

—Laozi

The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.

—Sun Tzu

What is small is easy to scatter.

—Laozi

When they know that they don’t know, people can find their own way.

—Laozi

He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

—Sun Tzu

Use your own light and return to the source of light.

—Laozi

They take from those who don’t have enough and give to those who have far too much.

—Laozi

When rich speculators prosper While farmers lose their land; when government officials spend money on weapons instead of cures;

—Laozi

Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy.

—Sun Tzu

The Tao is called the Great Mother: empty yet inexhaustible, it gives birth to infinite worlds.

—Laozi

He who advances without seeking fame, Who retreats without escaping blame, He whose one aim is to protect his people and serve his lord, The man is a jewel of the Realm.

—Sun Tzu

Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life.

—Laozi

The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is.

—Laozi

If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.

—Sun Tzu

Thus it is said: The path into the light seems dark, the path forward seems to go back, the direct path seems long, true power

—Laozi

Know thy self, know thy enemy.

A thousand battles, a thousand victories.

—Sun Tzu

The Tao gives birth to all beings, nourishes them, maintains them, cares for them, comforts them, protects them, takes them back

—Laozi