Character Quote by Lao Tzu
““He who possesses virtue in abundance may be compared to an infant.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Tao Te Ching, c. 400 BC
Abundant virtue makes one innocent and dependent, like an infant needing care.
In simple terms: Virtue in excess leads to childlike dependence.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate balanced virtue.
Themes
virtue
humility
dependence
innocence
balance
Mood
contemplative
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- spiritual practice
- leadership
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Taoism
ethical development
Questions to Reflect On
- Is humility more valuable than virtue?
- How to balance virtue with agency?
A Different Perspective
Excessive virtue may hinder practical action.
![“For her [Françoise], wealth was like a necessary condition without which virtue would lack both merit and charm. She made so little distinction between the two that she came to see their qualities as interchangeable, expecting material comfort from virtue and moral edification from wealth.” quote by Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/marcel-proust-114_character_for-her-fran-oise-wealth-was-like-a-nece_2687.jpg)
