"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

Sadness

Create & Download Quote Image

Select Template

Insight & Reflection

This reflection on sadness by Lao Tzu resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in sadness is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

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.

More quotes by Lao Tzu  ’
Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Lao Tzu

"The ocean of adversity cannot drown the spirit that resolves to stay afloat. In this truth lies the bedrock of all virtue — an essential principle for the reflective life."

Read more  ’

"A quiet mind perceives the subtle truths that noisy ambitions constantly drown out. This remains the cornerstone of personal mastery — an essential principle for the reflective life."

Read more  ’

More about Sadness

"Can I see another's woe, and not be in sorrow too? Can I see another's grief, and not seek for kind relief?"

Read more  ’

"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office."

Read more  ’

"Man is born passionate of body, but with an innate though secret tendency to the love of Good in his main-spring of Mind. But God help us all! It is at present a sad jar of atoms."

Read more  ’
View all Sadness quotes  ’