Country Quote by Laozi
“A great country needs more people to serve it. A small country needs more people to serve. So, if both shall get what they need, the great country ought to yield.”
About This Quote
Source Ancient text: Tao Te Ching, Chapter 57
A larger nation should rely on many servants, a smaller one on fewer; the great should be generous to meet everyone's needs.
In simple terms: Big countries need many workers; small ones need fewer; generosity balances needs.
Key Takeaway
Promote equitable service and generosity.
Themes
service
generosity
politics
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- community service
- international aid
- population management
Key Concepts
social contract
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance service with sustainability?
- What role does generosity play in governance?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on service can strain resources.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
