Tao Quotes on
War and Violence

Authentic Quotes from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Here are quotes from the Tao Te Ching, the Taoist classic by Lao Tzu, about war and violence. To see the whole quoted chapter, click the chapter link within brackets.

The Book Tao Quotes The Ancient Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. 389 quotes from the foremost Taoist classic, divided into 51 prominent topics. Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link).        More about the book here.

War and Violence

Those who advice the ruler on the Way, do not want the world subdued with weapons.

Thorn bushes grow where armies have camped.

Battles are followed by years of famine.

Weapons are ominous tools. They are abhorred by all creatures. Anyone who follows the Way shuns them.

Weapons are ominous tools. They are not the noble ruler’s tools. He only uses them when he can’t avoid it.

Peace and quiet are preferred. Victory should not be praised.

Those who praise victory relish manslaughter. Those who relish manslaughter cannot reach their goals in the world.

When many people are killed, they should be mourned and lamented. Those who are victorious in war should follow the rites of funerals.

Those who defeat others are strong, those who defeat themselves are mighty.

The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state’s weaponry should not be displayed.

The forceful and violent will not die from natural causes.

When the Way governs the world, the proud stallions drag dung carriages. When the Way is lost to the world, war horses are bred outside the city.

Those who have compassion when they do battle will be victorious. Those who likewise defend themselves will be safe. Heaven will rescue and protect them with compassion.

Excellent warriors are not violent.

Excellent soldiers are not furious.

Excellent conquerors do not engage.

Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, but would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, but would rather retreat a foot.

No misfortune is worse than underestimating the enemy. Underestimating the enemy, I risk losing my treasure.

When equal armies battle, the grieving one will be victorious.

The unyielding army will not win.

When bitter enemies make peace, surely some bitterness remains.

Although there are weapons for tens and hundreds of soldiers, they will not be used.

Tao Quote Categories

Here are the 388 Tao quotes extracted from the Tao Te ching by Lao Tzu, sorted into 19 topics. Each Tao quote has a link to its chapter in the book.

1. Tao, the Way quotes

   
   

2. Nature and the world quotes

   
   

3. Knowledge and wisdom quotes

   
   

4. Opposites and paradoxes quotes

   
   

5. Non-action and action quotes

   
   

6. Prevention and patience quotes

   
   

7. Moderation and modesty quotes

   
   

8. Humility and compassion quotes

   
   

9. Desire, wealth and greed quotes

   
   

10. Good and bad quotes

    
    

11. Role Models quotes

    
    

12. Simplicity, stillness and silence quotes

    
    

13. Fear and imperfection quotes

    
    

14. The female, child and family quotes

    
    

15. Yielding quotes

    
    

16. Rulers and government quotes

    
    

17. Longevity and death quotes

    
    

18. Seeing clearly quotes

    
    

19. War and violence quotes

    
    

My Taoism Books Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link). Tao Te Ching The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained. The great Taoist philosophy classic by Lao Tzu translated, and each of the 81 chapters extensively commented.        More about the book here. Tao Quotes The Ancient Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. 389 quotes from the foremost Taoist classic, divided into 51 prominent topics. Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link).        More about the book here. Fake Lao Tzu Quotes Erroneous Tao Te Ching Citations Examined. 90 of the most spread false Lao Tzu quotes, why they are false and where they are really from. Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link).        More about the book here.

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