Done Quote by Laozi
“Of the second-rate leaders people speak respectfully saying, "He has done this, he has done that." Of the first-rate leaders, they do not say this. They say, "We have done it all ourselves."”
About This Quote
Source Text: Tao Te Ching, c. 400 BC
True leaders attribute success to collective effort, while lesser leaders claim personal achievements, highlighting humility versus self‑promotion.
In simple terms: Great leaders credit teamwork, not themselves.
Recognize collective effort over personal bragging.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business meetings
- team projects
- public speeches
- community events
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance humility with confidence?
- When should you claim personal credit?
Some may misinterpret humility as weakness.