Common Quote by Laozi
![“[The Master] doesn't glitter like a jewel... [but is] as rugged and common as a stone.” quote by Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/df7/laozi-147_common_the-master-doesn-t-glitter-like-a-jewel_1986206.jpg)
“[The Master] doesn't glitter like a jewel... [but is] as rugged and common as a stone.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Tao Te Ching, c. 400 BC
True mastery is humble and unadorned, like a plain stone, not flashy like a jewel.
In simple terms: Great skill is modest and ordinary.
Key Takeaway
Seek substance over show.
Themes
humility
mastery
authenticity
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- craftsmanship
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Taoism
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you value substance over appearance?
- What does true mastery look like in your life?
A Different Perspective
It may be overlooked if not recognized as valuable.
![“The Master doesn't try to be powerful; thus he is truly powerful. The ordinary man keeps reaching for power; thus he never has enough. The Master does nothing, yet he leaves nothing undone. The ordinary man is always ding things, yet many more are left to be done. […] Therefore the Master concerns…” quote by Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/141/lao-tzu-624_above_the-master-doesn-t-try-to-be-powerful-th_2657628.jpg)
![“...if true love breaks as easily as a delusion, on what can we rely? What will people pin their hopes on?" [Nilima] "They'll have the sweet, intimate memories of a lost paradise, and beside it a sea of sorrow… People looking on from outside think all is lost... What remains when everything is lost…” quote by Saratchandra Chattopadhyay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6d6/saratchandra-chattopadhyay-825_break-up_if-true-love-breaks-as-easily-as-a-delus_1397606.jpg)
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
