Give up sainthood, renounce wisdom, and it will be a…
““Give up sainthood, renounce wisdom, and it will be a hundred times better for everyone. Give up kindness, renounce morality, and men will rediscover filial piety and love. Give up ingenuity, renounce profit, and bandits and thieves will disappear. These three are outward forms alone; they are not sufficient in themselves. It is more important to see the simplicity, To realize one's true nature, to cast off selfishness and temper desire.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The text urges abandoning external virtues and focusing on inner simplicity, selflessness, and desirelessness to realize true nature.
In simple terms: True growth comes from inner simplicity, not outward virtues.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner simplicity and selflessness.
Themes
spirituality
self‑realization
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- ethical decision‑making
- conflict resolution
- leadership development
Key Concepts
Taoism
inner nature
renunciation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one balance inner simplicity with societal responsibilities?
- What practices help diminish selfish desire?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting external virtues can harm social order if not balanced.