Thirty Spokes Quote by Lao Tzu
““Thirty spokes share one hub in non-being lies the use of the cart knead clay to make vessels in non-being lies the use of the vessel cut out doors and windows to make a house therefore form being comes what is usable and from non-being comes what is essential.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, c. 400 BC
Utility emerges from emptiness; the space within objects (like a hub, a vessel, a house) is what makes them functional, showing that what is not there is essential for what is.
In simple terms: Empty space gives purpose to things.
Key Takeaway
Value the unseen foundations.
Themes
philosophy
metaphysics
creativity
functionality
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
insightful
philosophical
Type
mindful
inquisitive
When to use this quote
- design
- architecture
- product development
- mindset shifts
Key Concepts
Taoism
negative space
utility theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What “empty” aspects enable your work?
- How does absence shape presence?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting emptiness limits usefulness.
![“We were working from very exact models and dimensions and weights of clay to make these pots which had been designed some 10 or 12 years previous to our arriving [at Bernard's Leach studio]. And we, being, I guess you would say young, arrogant Americans, thought that we ought to be able to somehow…” quote by Warren MacKenzie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3ce/warren-mackenzie-4654_able_we-were-working-from-very-exact-models-a_2464088.jpg)
