Tao Te Ching

The Power of Goodness, the Wisdom Beyond Words
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Yu the Great 大禹

c. 2200–2100 BCE

Leader of the Five Water Immortals

Philosopher-king, prototype ruler of ancient China, Taoist water deity, and leader of the Five Water Immortals; Yu became famous for introducing flood control, establishing dynastic rule, and for his impeccable integrity. One of the few Chinese rulers to be given “The Great” title, he is often seen in statues carrying an ancient hoe. Imperial emperors including Qin Shi Huang often traveled to his shrine to perform rituals.

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Quotes by Yu the Great (1 quotes)

“All you teeming multitudes, listen to my words! It is not that I, the little child, would dare to act in a disorderly way. But this ruler of the Miao, with his unyielding ways, deserves Heaven's punishment.”

Themes: Punishment

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Quotes about Yu the Great (1 quotes)

“When Yu went to conquer the ruler of the Miao, it was not that he sought to increase his wealth or eminence... it was only that he sought to promote what was beneficial to the world and to eliminate what was harmful.”

Mozi 墨子 470 – 391 BCE via Burton Watson
(Mòzǐ)
Chinese personification of Newton, da Vinci, and Jesus
from Universal Love

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