What is God-given is called nature; to follow nature is…
“What is God-given is called nature; to follow nature is called Tao (the Way); to cultivate the way is called culture. Before joy, anger, sadness and happiness are expressed, they are called the inner self; when they are expressed to the proper degree, they are called harmony. The inner self is the correct foundation of the world, and the harmony is the illustrious Way. When a man has achieved the inner self and harmony, the heaven and earth are orderly and the myriad of things are nourished and grow thereby.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Cultivating inner virtue aligns humanity with the natural order, creating harmony and societal order.
In simple terms: Inner virtue leads to harmony and order.
Key Takeaway
Develop personal virtue to foster societal harmony.
Themes
virtue
harmony
order
nature
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- Leadership training
- educational curricula
- personal development workshops
- community building
Key Concepts
Daoist principles
Confucian ethics
inner cultivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one practice inner cultivation daily?
- What role does harmony play in modern society?
A Different Perspective
Achieving inner virtue is challenging without guidance.