"Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it."

Politics

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Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Politics as articulated by Lao Tzu. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Politics provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

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About Lao Tzu

Laozi is the name traditionally given to an ancient Chinese philosopher, also identified as Li Er or Lao Dan, who is regarded as the author or originating teacher associated with the Tao Te Ching, one of the foundational texts of Taoism. Traditional accounts place him in the 6th century BC state of Chu during China's Spring and Autumn period, describe him as a keeper of archival records at the Zhou court, and remember him as an elder contemporary of Confucius. Modern scholars remain divided over his identity, dates, and precise relationship to the received text: some regard the traditional Laozi as largely or wholly legendary, while others consider a historical Lao Dan plausible and accept the tradition that he was a senior contemporary of Confucius.

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More by Lao Tzu

"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."

— Lao Tzu
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"Wisdom principle 43 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 89."

— Lao Tzu
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"Great indeed is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning and which permeates all heaven."

— Lao Tzu
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"Because of a great love, one is courageous."

— Lao Tzu
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More about Politics

"We're definitely a hodgepodge of influences. Mine, most heavily, would be Southern rock - the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and stuff like that. Hillary is more from the country side - her mom is Linda Davis, a country singer. Dave, he's a big fan of the Eagles and like that."

— Charles Kelley
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"Al Gore, the former vice-president of the United States, lives in a mansion that uses more electricity than the average family's bungalow! David Suzuki rides on a bus that uses more fuel than a Smart car to get across Canada! Oh my God! And this is just the tip of the vanishing iceberg!"

— Linwood Barclay
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"A wise traveler never despises his own country."

— William Hazlitt
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"Urban legend has it that Area 51 is connected by underground tunnels and trains to other secret facilities around the country."

— Annie Jacobsen
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