Skip to content

Greed for enlightenment and immortality is no different…

“Greed for enlightenment and immortality is no different than greed for material wealth. It is self-centered and dualistic, and thus an obstacle to true attainment. Therefore these states are never achieved by those who covet them; rather, they are the reward of the virtuous.” quote by Laozi
Download Open image
“Greed for enlightenment and immortality is no different than greed for material wealth. It is self-centered and dualistic, and thus an obstacle to true attainment. Therefore these states are never achieved by those who covet them; rather, they are the reward of the virtuous.”

Laozi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Greed, whether for spiritual or material goals, stems from self‑centered desire and blocks true enlightenment; virtue, not desire, leads to reward.

In simple terms: Greed blocks enlightenment; virtue brings reward.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate virtue over desire.

Themes

greed spirituality virtue dualism obstacle

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • spiritual practice
  • ethical decisions
  • personal ambition
  • wealth pursuit
  • self‑improvement

Key Concepts

non‑attachment ethical living inner peace

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance ambition with humility?
  • What practices reduce self‑centered desire?
A Different Perspective

Virtue alone may not guarantee material success.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Laozi

Explore all 1,140 Laozi quotes

More Achievement quotes

Browse all 3,867 Achievement quotes