Constantly Quote by Lao Tzu
““He constantly (tries to) keep them without knowledge and without desire, and where there are those who have knowledge, to keep them from presuming to act (on it).””
About This Quote
Source Book: Tao Te Ching, c. 400 BC
It warns that those in power may suppress knowledge and desire, and discourage the learned from acting on their insight.
In simple terms: Power can hide truth and stop action.
Key Takeaway
Guard your own learning and act on it.
Themes
knowledge
power
action
control
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- personal development
- activism
- leadership
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
Daoism
political manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure knowledge leads to action?
- What structures keep people from acting on what they know?
A Different Perspective
Even with knowledge, fear of repercussions can still inhibit action.
