All things Quote by Laozi
“There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is the mother of the universe. For lack of a better name, I call it the Tao. It flows through all things, inside and outside, and returns to the origin of all things. The Tao is great. The universe is great. Earth is great. Man is great. These are the four great powers. Man follows the earth. Earth follows the universe. The universe follows the Tao. The Tao follows only itself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Tao Te Ching, Laozi, 6th century BC
The Tao is an eternal, formless source that underlies and connects all existence, guiding the cosmos and humanity alike.
In simple terms: The Tao is an endless, unchanging source of all things.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the Tao’s presence in life.
Themes
philosophy
cosmos
spirituality
nature
humility
Mood
calm
reverent
inspired
Type
aphilosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation
- environmental stewardship
- personal reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Taoism
metaphysics
interconnectedness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does acknowledging an unseen order affect your choices?
- What does “great” mean in everyday life?
A Different Perspective
The Tao’s formlessness can be hard to grasp in concrete decisions.
