Skip to content

Community Quote by Laozi

“First, we must do our own personal work, then we tend the necessary work of our family, then our community, then the world.” quote by Laozi
Download Open image
“First, we must do our own personal work, then we tend the necessary work of our family, then our community, then the world.”

Laozi

About This Quote

Source Book: Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33, c. 400 BC

Personal development precedes broader responsibilities; one must first cultivate self before serving family, community, and world.

In simple terms: Work on yourself before helping others.

Key Takeaway

Begin with self‑improvement.

Themes

self‑growth responsibility community globalism

Mood

reflective calm

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal therapy
  • family counseling
  • community volunteering
  • global activism

Key Concepts

Taoism hierarchical duty ethical order

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance self‑care with external duties?
  • What personal habits empower you to serve others?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting personal health can undermine later contributions.

2.2 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Laozi

Explore all 1,140 Laozi quotes

More Community quotes

Browse all 13,840 Community quotes