WIST

When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
(Attributed)

A good manager is best when people barely know that he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him. But of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done — his aim fulfilled, they will say: “We did it ourselves.”

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
(Attributed)
Alt trans: "When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally."

Quarrel with a friend — and you are both wrong.

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
(Attributed)

Rule a kingdom as though you were cooking a small fish — don’t overdo it.

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
(Attributed)

He who knows others is wise; He who knows himself is enlightened.

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
(Attributed)

He who controls others may be powerful but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
(Attributed)

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
(Attributed)

People are constantly spoiling a project when it lacks only a step to completion.

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
The Way of Life, 64 [tr. Blakney (1955)]
Variant (?): "People in their handling of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure."

The world is won by those who let it go!

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
The Way of Life, Ch. 48
(trans R. B. Blakney, 1955)

Of the best rulers
The people (only) know that they exist;
The next best they love and praise;
The next they fear;
And the next they revile.
When they do not command the people’s faith,
Some will lose faith in them,
And then they resort to oaths!
But (of the best) when their task is accomplished, their work done,
The people all remark, “We have done it ourselves.”

Lao-tzu (604?-531? BC) Chinese philosopher, co-founder of Taoism. [also Lao-tse]
The Wisdom of Laotse, ch 17 (1948)
Trans. and edited by Lin Yutang