Lao Tzu remembered he did not hear, say or forget this quote:
What I hear, I forget. What I say, I remember. What I do, I understand .
This popular quotation is wrongly attributed to Lao Tzu and Confucius too.
In fact, the original line in Mandarin is this:
不聞不若聞之，聞之不若見之，見之不若知之，知之不若行之；學至於行之而止矣
Personally I found the best translation in English is:
“Not having heard something is not as good as having heard it; having heard it is not as good as having seen it; having seen it is not as good as knowing it; knowing it is not as good as putting it into practice.”
It is NOT “What I hear, I forget. What I say, I remember. What I do, I understand“.
This line was written by the 3rd century BC Realist Confucian philosopher by the name of Xun Kuang.
This particular quote in English translation is found in the book:
For the original Chinese version, you can see the quote in: .
Beware.
Lao Tzu remembered and so should you, that there are many other fake Lao Tzu quotations found in websites and even printed books.
Now there is even a book titled “Fake Lao Tzu Quotes: Erroneous Tao Te Ching Citations Examined” by Stefan Stenudd.
Lao Tzu (老子) means Old Master aka Lǎozǐ was a spiritual Chinese philosopher and the founder of philosophical Taoism.
He is known for his book “Tao Te Ching” (道德经) which was written around 6th century BC.
It is said to be the most frequently translated, widely read and deeply cherished books around.
The only so-called authentic Lao Tzu quotations are from this book.
Below here is my selection of genuine Lao Tzu quotes gathered from this book “Tao Te Ching“:
“Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.” – Lao Tzu
“見素抱樸，少私寡欲。” (Mandarin)
(The Way Of Lao Tzu (Tao te ching) By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 19)
Another translation is:
“Show plainness; hold simplicity, reduce selfishness; decrease desires.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 19, P. 39) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“When all the people of the world know beauty as beauty, There arises the recognition of ugliness. When they all know the good as good, There arises the recognition of evil.” – Lao Tzu
“天下皆知美之為美，斯惡已。皆知善之為善，斯不善已。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 2) source
Another translation is:
“When the world knows beauty as beauty, ugliness arises, When it knows good as good, evil arises.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 2, P. 5) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“…in the government of the sage, He keeps their hearts vacuous, fills their bellies, weakens their ambitions, and strengthens their bones. He always causes his people to be without knowledge (cunning) or desire, and the crafty to be afraid to act. By acting without action, all things will be in order.” – Lao Tzu
“是以聖人之治，虛其心，實其腹，弱其志，強其骨。常使民無知無欲。使夫知者不敢為也。為無為，則無不治。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 3) source
Another translation:
“Thus the governance of the sage:
Empties their hearts
Fills their bellies
Weakens their ambitions
Strengthens their bones
Let the people have no cunning and no greed
So those who scheme will not dare to meddle3
Act without contrivance
And nothing will be beyond control.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 3, P. 7) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“Heaven and Earth are not humane. They regard all things a straw dogs. The rule is inhumane, He treats his people like straw dogs. ” – Lao Tzu
“天地不仁，以萬物為芻狗；聖人不仁，以百姓為芻狗。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 5)
Another translation is:
“Heaven and Earth are impartial
And regard myriad things as straw dogs
The sages are impartial
And regard people as straw dogs.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 5, P. 11) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“Heaven is eternal and Earth everlasting. They can be eternal and everlasting because they do not exist for themselves. And for this reason can exist forever. Therefore the sage places himself in the background but finds himself in the foreground. He puts himself away, and yet he always remains.” – Lao Tzu
“天長地久。天地所以能長且久者，以其不自生，故能長生。是以聖人後其身而身先；外其身而身存。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 7)
Another translation is:
“Heaven and Earth are everlasting
The reason Heaven and Earth can last forever
Is that they do not exist for themselves
Thus they can last forever
Therefore the sages:
Place themselves last but end up in front
Are outside of themselves and yet survive” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 7, P. 15) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“The best (man) is like water. Water is good; it benefits all things and does not compete with them. It dwells in (lowly) places that all disdain. This is why it is so near to Tao.
(The best man) in his dwelling loves the earth. In his heart, he loves what is profound. In his associations, he loves humanity. In his words, he loves faithfulness.” – Lao Tzu
“上善若水。水善利萬物而不爭，處衆人之所惡，故幾於道。居善地，心善淵，與善仁，言善信，正善治，事善能，動善時。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 8)
Another translation is:
“The highest goodness resembles water
Water greatly benefits myriad things without contention
It stays in places that people dislike
Therefore it is similar to the Tao
Dwelling at the right place
Heart with great depth
Giving with great kindness
Words with great integrity
Governing with great administration
Handling with great capability
Moving with great timing.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 8, P. 17) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“To hold and fill a cup to overflowing Is not as good as to stop in time. Sharpen a sword edge to its very sharpest, And the (edge) will not last long.” – Lao Tzu
“持而盈之，不如其已；揣而锐之，不可長保。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 9) source
Another translation is:
“It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to
carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.” – Lao Tzu
(The Sacred Books of China: The Texts Of Tâoism, Volume 1, Translated By James Legge, Part I The Tao Teh King, The Writings Of Kwang-Tze, Orford: The Claren Press, 1891, Tao Teh King, Ch. X, 9, P.53) source
“To produce things and to rear them, To produce, but not to take possession of them, To act, but not to rely on one’s own ability, To lead them, but not to master them – This is called profound and secret virtue.” – Lao Tzu
“生之、畜之，生而不有，為而不恃，長而不宰，是謂玄德。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 10)
Another translation is:
“Bearing it, rearing it
Bearing without possession
Achieving without arrogance
Raising without domination
This is called the Mystic Virtue.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 10, P. 21) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“…he who loves the world as his body may be entrusted with the empire.” – Lao Tzu
“愛以身為天下，若可託天下。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 13)
Another translation is:
“One who loves the self as the world, can be entrusted with the world.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 13, P. 27) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“When the six family relationships are not in harmony, There will be the advocacy of filial piety and deep love to children. When a country is in disorder, There will be the praise of loyal ministers.” – Lao Tzu
“六親不和，有孝慈；國家昏亂，有忠臣。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 18) source
Another translation is:
“The six relations are not harmonious
There is filial piety and kind affection
The country is in confused chaos
There are loyal ministers.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 18, P. 37) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“Not putting on a display, they shine forth. Not justifying themselves, they are distinguished. Not boasting, they receive recognition. Not bragging, they never falter.” – Lao Tzu
“不自見，故明；不自是，故彰；不自伐，故有功；不自矜，故長。夫唯不爭，故天下莫能與之爭。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English, Vintage Books, 1989, 22) source
Another translation is:
“Without flaunting themselves—and so are seen clearly
Without presuming themselves—and so are distinguished
Without praising themselves—and so have merit
Without boasting about themselves—and so are lasting.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 22, P. 45) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“Have little and gain; Have much and be confused.” – Lao Tzu
“少則得，多則惑。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 22) source
Another translation is:
“Have little and receive, have much and be confused.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 22) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“He who does not trust enough will not be trusted.” – Lao Tzu
“信不足，焉有不信焉。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 23) source
Another translation is:
“Those who do not trust sufficiently, others have no trust in them.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 23) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“He who stands on tiptoe is not steady. He who strides forward does not go. He who shows himself is not luminous. He who justifies himself is not prominent. He who boasts of himself is not given credit. He who brags does not endure for long.” – Lao Tzu
“企者不立；跨者不行；自見者不明；自是者不彰；自伐者無功；自矜者不長。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 24) source
Another translation is:
“Those who are on tiptoes cannot stand
Those who straddle cannot walk
Those who flaunt themselves are not clear
Those who presume themselves are not distinguished
Those who praise themselves have no merit
Those who boast about themselves do not last.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 24) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“A good traveler leaves no track or trace. A good speech leaves no flaws. A good reckoner uses no counters. A well-shut door needs no bolts, and yet it cannot be opened. A well-tied knot needs no rope and yet none can untie it.” – Lao Tzu
“善行無轍迹，善言無瑕讁；善數不用籌策；善閉無關楗而不可開，善結無繩約而不可解。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 27) source
Another translation is:
“Good traveling does not leave tracks
Good speech does not seek faults1
Good reckoning does not use counters
Good closure needs no bar and yet cannot be opened
Good knot needs no rope and yet cannot be untie.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 27) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“The universe is sacred. You cannot improve it. If you try to change it, you will ruin it. If you try to hold it, you will lose it.” – Lao Tzu
“天下神器，不可為也，為者敗之，執者失之。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English, New York: Vintage Books, 1989. 29) source
Another translation is:
“The world is a sacred instrument
One cannot control it
The one who controls it will fail
The one who grasps it will lose.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 29) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“Knowing others is wisdom; Knowing the self is enlightenment. Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self needs strength.” – Lao Tzu
“知人者智，自知者明。勝人者有力，自勝者強。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English, New York: Knopf Doubleday, 1972, 33)
Another translation is:
“Those who understand others are intelligent
Those who understand themselves are enlightened
Those who overcome others have strength
Those who overcome themselves are powerful.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 33) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“[the sage] never strives himself for the great, and thereby the great is achieved.” – Lao Tzu
“以其終不自為大，故能成其大。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 34) source
Another translation is:
“…it does not regard itself as great, that is how it can achieve its greatness.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 34) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“Simplicity, which has no name, is free of desires. Being free of desires, it is tranquil. And the world will be at peace of its own accord.” – Lao Tzu
“無名之樸，夫亦將無欲。不欲以靜，天下將自定。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 37) source
Another translation is:
“The simplicity of the nameless
They shall be without desire
Without desire, using stillness
The world shall steady itself.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 37) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“Reversion is the action of Tao. Weakness is the function of Tao. All things in the world come from being. And being comes from non-being.” – Lao Tzu
“反者道之動；弱者道之用。天下萬物生於有，有生於無。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 40) source
Another translation is:
“The returning is the movement of the Tao
The weak is the utilization of the Tao
The myriad things of the world are born of being
Being is born of non-being.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 40) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“People hate to be children without parents, lonely people without spouses, or men without food to eat, and yet kings and lords call themselves by these names.” – Lao Tzu
“人之所惡，唯孤、寡、不穀，而王公以為稱。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 42) source
Another translation is:
“What the people dislike
Are alone, bereft, and unworthy
But the rulers call themselves with these terms.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 42) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“…he who has lavish desires will spend extravagantly. He who hoards will lose most heavily. He who is contented suffers no disgrace. He who knows when to stop is free from danger. Therefore he can long endure.” – Lao Tzu
“是故甚愛必大費；多藏必厚亡。知足不辱，知止不殆，可以長久。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 44) source
Another translation is:
“Thus excessive love must lead to great spending
Excessive hoarding must lead to heavy loss
Knowing contentment avoids disgrace
Knowing when to stop avoids danger
Thus one can endure indefinitely.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 44) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontentment. And there is no greater disaster than greed. He who is contented with contentment is always contented.” – Lao Tzu
“禍莫大於不知足；咎莫大於欲得。故知足之足，常足矣。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 46) source
Another translation is:
“There is no crime greater than greed
No disaster greater than discontentment
No fault greater than avarice
Thus the satisfaction of contentment is the lasting satisfaction.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 46) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“One may know the world without going out of doors. One may see the Way of Heaven without looking through the windows. The further one goes, the less one knows. Therefore the sage knows without going about, understands without seeing, and accomplishes without any action.” – Lao Tzu
“不出戶知天下；不闚牖見天道。其出彌遠，其知彌少。是以聖人不行而知，不見而名，不為而成。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 47)
Another translation is:
“Without going out the door, know the world
Without peering out the window, see the Heavenly Tao
The further one goes
The less one knows
Therefore the sage
Knows without going
Names without seeing
Achieves without striving.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 47) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“Man comes in to life and goes out to death. Three out of ten are companions of life. Three out of ten are companions of death. And three out of ten in their lives lead from activity to death. And for what reason? Because of man’s intensive striving after life.” – Lao Tzu
“出生入死。生之徒，十有三；死之徒，十有三；人之生，動之死地，十有三。夫何故？以其生，生之厚。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 50) source
Another translation is:
“Coming into life, entering death
The followers of life, three in ten
The followers of death, three in ten
Those whose lives are moved toward death
Also three in ten
Why? Because they live lives of excess.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 50) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“Seeing what is small is called enlightenment. Keeping to weakness is called strength.” – Lao Tzu
“見小曰明，守柔曰強。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 52) source
Another translation is:
“Seeing details is called clarity, holding on to the soft is called strength.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 52) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know.” – Lao Tzu
“知者不言，言者不知。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 56) source
Another translation is:
“Those who know do not talk
Those who talk do not know.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 56) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found .)
“The more taboos and prohibitions there are in the world, The poorer the people will be. The more sharp weapons the people have, the more troubled the state will be. The more cunning and skill a man possesses, the more vicious things will appear. The more laws and orders are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.” – Lao Tzu
“天下多忌諱，而民彌貧；民多利器，國家滋昏；人多伎巧，奇物滋起；法令滋彰，盜賊多有。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 57) source
Another translation is:
“When there are many restrictions in the world
The people become more impoverished2
When people have many sharp weapons
The country becomes more chaotic
When people have many clever tricks
More strange things occur
The more laws are posted
The more robbers and thieves there are.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 57) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“Great acts are made up of small acts.” – Lao Tzu
“天下大事，必作於細。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English, New York: Vintage Books, 1989, 63) source
Another translation is:
“The large tasks of the world must be handled through the small tasks.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 63) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“The journey of a thousand li starts from where one stands.” – Lao Tzu
“千里之行，始於足下。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 64) source
Another translation is:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins beneath the feet.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 64) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“Knowing ignorance is strength. Ignoring knowledge is sickness.” – Lao Tzu
“知不知上；不知知病。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English, Vintage Books, 1989, 71) source
Another translation is:
“To know that you do not know is highest
To not know but think you know is flawed.” -Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 71) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“If men live in constant fear of dying, and if breaking the law means that a man will be killed, who will dare to break the law?” – Lao Tzu
“若使民常畏死，而為奇者，吾得執而殺之，孰敢？” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English, Vintage Books, 1989, 74) source
Another translation is:
“If people are made to constantly fear death
Then those who act unlawfully
I can capture and kill them
Who would dare?” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 71) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
“True words are not beautiful; Beautiful words are not true. A good man does not argue; He who argues is not a good man. A wise man has no extensive knowledge; He who has extensive knowledge is not a wise man.” – Lao Tzu
“信言不美，美言不信。善者不辯，辯者不善。知者不博，博者不知。” (Mandarin)
(The Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu, Translated By Wing-tsit Chan, 1963, 81) source
Another translation is:
“True words are not beautiful
Beautiful words are not true
Those who are good do not debate
Those who debate are not good
Those who know are not broad of knowledge
Those who are broad of knowledge do not know.” – Lao Tzu
(Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, Translation And Annotation By Derek Lin, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006, 81) source
(The quote in Mandarin is found here.)
Lao Tzu remembered his own true words are from his book “Tao Te Ching”.
Here is a list of free English translations of Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu:
Tao Te Ching: The New Translation from Tao Te Ching, The Definitive Edition by Jonathan Star
The Sayings Of Lao Tzu By Lionel Giles
Tao Te Ching By Stephen Mitchell
Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching: A Book About The Way And The Power Of The Way By Ursula K. Le Guin
The Book Of The Simple Way Of LaoTze By Walter Gorn Old
Lao Tzu’s Ta-Teh-Ching: A Parallel Translation Collection Compiled By B. Boisen
The way Of Life According To Laotzu: An American Version By Witter Bynner
Note: The above book “The way Of Life According To Laotzu: An American Version” By Witter Bynner” is only for borrowing only.
If you want to download and save it for your own keeping, then find out how to do it from “How To Save Internet Archive Borrow Boos: 1 Hour And 14 Days“.