Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, is a book by Laozi, a Chinese philosopher and writer. Being published in the 4th century BC, and later translated to English in 1868, it holds a lot of knowledge. The book follows the teachings of Taoism, which is the belief that humans and animals should live in one with the Tao, or the universe. Taoism is also known as Daoism and is a tradition native to China. 

Tao Te Ching offers insights to living a balanced life such as the importance of simplicity, humility, and how interconnected things are. 

A few important quotes from the book:

“The Master gives himself up to whatever the moment brings. He knows that he is going to die, and he has nothing left to hold on to: no illusions in his mind, no resistances in his body. He doesn’t think about his actions; they flow from the core of his being. He holds nothing back from life; therefore he is ready for death, as a man is ready for sleep after a good day’s work”

“The Master’s power is like this. He lets all things come and go effortlessly, without desire. He never expects results; thus he is never disappointed. He is never disappointed; thus his spirit never grows old”

“Can you step back from your own mind and thus understand all things?”

“Stop thinking, and end your problems”

“Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease. First realize that you are sick; then you can move toward health”

“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”

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power”

Tao Te Ching has taught me not to live life, but to let life live me. To remove all expectations and assumptions enables one to live life peacefully and more patiently. By being able to know myself, I am able to know others. When I master myself, I don’t need to master others.