Deserving Quote by Laozi
“Not praising the deserving prevents envy.”
About This Quote
Source Text: Tao Te Ching, Chapter 31, attributed to Laozi, c. 400 BC
If you fail to acknowledge those who deserve praise, you foster jealousy and resentment.
In simple terms: Not praising the deserving breeds envy.
Give credit where it’s due.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- public acknowledgments
- award ceremonies
- peer feedback
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Who deserves recognition today?
- How can praise be given sincerely?
Over‑praising can also create dependency.