The sage embraces the One and becomes the model of the world. He does not display himself, therefore he shines. He does not assert himself, therefore he is distinguished. He does not boast, therefore he is credited. He does not contend, therefore no one in the world can contend with him.
— Laozi Ancient

Founder of Taoism

Share:

Details

Context

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 22

Date / Period

6th century BCE (approximate)

Category

Shocking

Source

https://terebess.hu/english/tao/chan.html#chap22

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: grok

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

More from Laozi

"No thought, no action, no movement, total stillness: only thus can one manifest the true nature and law of things... and at last become one with heaven and earth."

Philosophical

"To attain knowledge, add things everyday. To attain wisdom, remove things every day."

Humorous

"The sage is not attached to anything, and so he loses nothing."

Humorous

"The best of men is like water. Water 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 the Tao."

Philosophical

"Make the small big and the few many; Do good to him who has done you an injury."

Philosophical
View all sayings from Laozi