--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To know that unchanging rule is to be…" description: "\"“To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues.”\" — Lao Tzu" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/lao-tzu-624_quote_to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-in_1282924.jpg" --- # To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to… ![“To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues.” quote by Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/lao-tzu-624_quote_to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-in_1282924.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/lao-tzu-624_quote_to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-in_1282924.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/lao-tzu-624_quote_to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-in_1282924.jpg) > ““To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues.”” [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Understanding immutable truths leads to wisdom; ignorance invites chaos and harm. **In simple terms:** Knowing constants prevents reckless behavior. Key Takeaway Study fundamental principles. Themes wisdom order chaos Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - education - policy making - personal growth Key Concepts philosophy ethics intelligence Questions to Reflect On - What unchanging rule guides you? - How do you balance knowledge and flexibility? A Different Perspective Complexity of rules can be oversimplified. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Unchanging](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unchanging/) ## Related quotes > [“The knowledge of that unchanging rule produces a (grand) capacity and forbearance, and that capacity and forbearance lead to a community (of feeling with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/the-knowledge-of-that-unchanging-rule-produces-a-grand-capacity-and/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [The first rule of intelligent tinkering is to save all the parts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-r-ehrlich/the-first-rule-of-intelligent-tinkering-is-to-save-all-the-parts/) [Paul R. Ehrlich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-r-ehrlich/) > [Those who know others are intelligent Those who know themselves have insight. Those who master others have force Those who master themselves have strength.Those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/those-who-know-others-are-intelligent-those-who-know-themselves-have/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [“I know I'm intelligent because I know that I know nothing.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/socrates/i-know-i-m-intelligent-because-i-know-that-i-know-nothing/) [Socrates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/socrates/) > [“Be intelligent, but know it is better to be kind than smart.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryant-mcgill/be-intelligent-but-know-it-is-better-to-be-kind-than-smart/) [Bryant McGill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryant-mcgill/) > [I am intelligent because I know that I no nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evans-onyenwere/i-am-intelligent-because-i-know-that-i-no-nothing/) [Evans Onyenwere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evans-onyenwere/) > [I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/socrates/i-know-that-i-am-intelligent-because-i-know-that-i-know-nothing/) [Socrates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/socrates/) > [One should be intelligent enough to know when not to be too intellectual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sol-lewitt/one-should-be-intelligent-enough-to-know-when-not-to-be-too/) [Sol LeWitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sol-lewitt/) > [“If one has to say, in an argument, "I am intelligent! I do know things!" then one might as well stop arguing.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-scott-card/if-one-has-to-say-in-an-argument-i-am-intelligent-i-do-know-things/) [Orson Scott Card](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-scott-card/) > [Intelligent people know they are intelligent. They also know that one person cannot know all, hence a person is not stupid simply because he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynsay-sands/intelligent-people-know-they-are-intelligent-they-also-know-that-one/) [Lynsay Sands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynsay-sands/) > [“The Tao that can be described is not the enduring and unchanging Tao.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/the-tao-that-can-be-described-is-not-the-enduring-and-unchanging-tao/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/the-name-that-can-be-named-is-not-the-enduring-and-unchanging-name/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [Marriage is not a static state between two unchanging people. Marriage is a psychological and spiritual journey that begins in the ecstasy of attraction,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/marriage-is-not-a-static-state-between-two-unchanging-people-marriage/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The philosopher is in love with truth, that is, not with the changing world of sensation, which is the object of opinion, but with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/the-philosopher-is-in-love-with-truth-that-is-not-with-the-changing/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [A nation of character is filled with citizens who gradually build lives based on the living awareness that their deeds are judged by eyes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-keyes/a-nation-of-character-is-filled-with-citizens-who-gradually-build/) [Alan Keyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-keyes/) ## More by Lao Tzu > [“This is how they are able to continue and endure.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/this-is-how-they-are-able-to-continue-and-endure/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Gravity is the root of lightness;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/gravity-is-the-root-of-lightness/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Therefore the Tao is great;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/therefore-the-tao-is-great/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Not seeking, not expecting, she is present, and can welcome all things.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/not-seeking-not-expecting-she-is-present-and-can-welcome-all-things/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“What all men fear is indeed to be feared;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/what-all-men-fear-is-indeed-to-be-feared/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Just remain in the center; watching. And then forget that you are there.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/just-remain-in-the-center-watching-and-then-forget-that-you-are-there/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“This is what is called 'The mysterious Quality' (of the Tao).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/this-is-what-is-called-the-mysterious-quality-of-the-tao/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“If you show yourself, you will not be seen. If you affirm yourself, you will not shine. If you boast, you will have no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/if-you-show-yourself-you-will-not-be-seen-if-you-affirm-yourself-you/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“The thirty spokes unite in the one nave; but it is on the empty space (for the axle), that the use of the wheel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/the-thirty-spokes-unite-in-the-one-nave-but-it-is-on-the-empty-space/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“To know and yet (think) we do not know is the highest (attainment); not to know (and yet think) we do know is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/to-know-and-yet-think-we-do-not-know-is-the-highest-attainment-not-to/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/he-who-knows-other-men-is-discerning-he-who-knows-himself-is/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“If you are depressed, you are living in the past; if you are anxious, you are living in the present; if you are at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/if-you-are-depressed-you-are-living-in-the-past-if-you-are-anxious/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Simplicity without a name Is free from all external aim. With no desire, at rest and still, All things go right as of their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/simplicity-without-a-name-is-free-from-all-external-aim-with-no/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/when-gold-and-jade-fill-the-hall-their-possessor-cannot-keep-them-safe/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“We listen to it, and we do not hear it, and we name it 'the Inaudible.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/we-listen-to-it-and-we-do-not-hear-it-and-we-name-it-the-inaudible/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) [Explore all 434 Lao Tzu quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) ## More Unchanging quotes > [A nation of character is filled with citizens who gradually build lives based on the living awareness that their deeds are judged by eyes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-keyes/a-nation-of-character-is-filled-with-citizens-who-gradually-build/) [Alan Keyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-keyes/) > [The philosopher is in love with truth, that is, not with the changing world of sensation, which is the object of opinion, but with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/the-philosopher-is-in-love-with-truth-that-is-not-with-the-changing/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [Marriage is not a static state between two unchanging people. Marriage is a psychological and spiritual journey that begins in the ecstasy of attraction,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/marriage-is-not-a-static-state-between-two-unchanging-people-marriage/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Three children have become adults since a phone call with Jo Rowling, containing one small clue, persuaded me that there was more to Snape…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-rickman/three-children-have-become-adults-since-a-phone-call-with-jo-rowling/) [Alan Rickman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-rickman/) > [Only when we realize that there is no eternal, unchanging truth or absolute truth can we arouse in ourselves a sense of intellectual responsibility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hu-shih/only-when-we-realize-that-there-is-no-eternal-unchanging-truth-or/) [Hu Shih](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hu-shih/) > [We are completely unaware of our true nature because we identify ourselves with our body, our emotions and our thoughts, thus losing sight of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-klein/we-are-completely-unaware-of-our-true-nature-because-we-identify/) [Jean Klein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-klein/) > [The seen is the changing, the unseen is the unchanging.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/the-seen-is-the-changing-the-unseen-is-the-unchanging/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/there-rise-authors-now-and-then-who-seem-proof-against-the-mutability/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [Every conscientious husband and wife should measure their marriage by the unchanging standard of the principles found in God's Word.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/myles-munroe/every-conscientious-husband-and-wife-should-measure-their-marriage-by/) [Myles Munroe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/myles-munroe/) > [“It isn’t comfortable to discover her place and her necessity. And yet what she has to offer is nothing less than the entire deep…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-moore/it-isn-t-comfortable-to-discover-her-place-and-her-necessity-and-yet/) [Thomas Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-moore/) > [Almost any word can be drafted to serve as a verb, even words we think of as eternal and unchanging, stuck in their more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-mckean/almost-any-word-can-be-drafted-to-serve-as-a-verb-even-words-we-think/) [Erin McKean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-mckean/) > [Do not vainly lament, but do wonder at the rule of transiency and learn from it the emptiness of human life. Do not cherish…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/do-not-vainly-lament-but-do-wonder-at-the-rule-of-transiency-and/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [Change alone is unchanging.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heraclitus/change-alone-is-unchanging/) [Heraclitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heraclitus/) > [“history is a wheel, for the nature of man is fundamentally unchanging.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-r-r-martin/history-is-a-wheel-for-the-nature-of-man-is-fundamentally-unchanging/) [George R.R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-r-r-martin/) > [To us, from the beginning, Nature has been but a poor plastic thing, to be toyed with this way or that, as man happens…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/olive-schreiner/to-us-from-the-beginning-nature-has-been-but-a-poor-plastic-thing-to/) [Olive Schreiner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/olive-schreiner/) [Browse all 192 Unchanging quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unchanging/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lao Tzu" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-intelligent-not-to-know-it/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Unchanging" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-intelligent-not-to-know-it/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/lao-tzu-624_quote_to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-in_1282924.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/lao-tzu-624_quote_to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-in_1282924.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/lao-tzu-624_quote_to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-in_1282924.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues.” — Lao Tzu", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Lao Tzu", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“To know that unchanging rule is...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-intelligent-not-to-know-it/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/to-know-that-unchanging-rule-is-to-be-intelligent-not-to-know-it/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```