Laozi quotes
Ancient China, uncertain dating · Philosopher / semi‑legendary sage
About Laozi
Associated with the Dao De Jing, Laozi represents core Daoist themes: simplicity, humility, softness overcoming hardness, and wu wei (non‑action). Biographical details are unreliable and many later attributions cannot be securely documented. Some sayings commonly credited to him are modern or apocryphal.
Works: Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching)
Quotes
“If someone has offended you, do not seek revenge. Sit by the river and soon you will see the body of your enemy float by.”
Source: Rising Sun, film, 1993 · Check the source
MisattributedWhat we know
- What is documented
- Research indicates the wording is absent from the Dao De Jing; the earliest documented use appears in the 1993 film Rising Sun.
- What remains uncertain
- The attribution to Laozi is disputed and likely apocryphal: the phrase resembles Daoist ideas but has no attested classical source and was popularized in modern media.
The river image teaches a clear tactic: patience and non‑escalation often undo an enemy more surely than revenge. It fits the Daoist spirit of soft strength—letting events run their course rather than attacking—and works as a practical rule for keeping composure when wronged.