Desire Quote by Laozi
“Therefore, if a great kingdom humbles itself before a small kingdom, it shall make that small kingdom its prize. And if a small kingdom humbles itself before a great kingdom, it shall win over that great kingdom. Thus the one humbles itself in order to attain, the other attains because it is humble. If the great kingdom has no further desire than to bring men together and to nourish them, the small kingdom will have no further desire than to enter the service of the other. But in order that both may have their desire, the great one must learn humility.”
About This Quote
Source Ancient text: Tao Te Ching, Chapter 68, c. 400 BC
Humility creates reciprocal respect; both great and small benefit from mutual deference.
In simple terms: Being humble lets all parties thrive together.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility to foster cooperation.
Themes
humility
reciprocity
leadership
balance
Mood
calm
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- international diplomacy
- corporate mergers
- community projects
Key Concepts
Taoism
ethics
social harmony
Questions to Reflect On
- How can humility be practiced without losing influence?
- What structures support humble collaboration?
A Different Perspective
Humility alone may not overcome power imbalances.
![“The humble man seeks at all times to act according to the rule: with honour preferring one another; by charity serve one another; esteem[ing] others better than themselves; submitting yourselves one to another.” quote by Andrew Murray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2c2/andrew-murray-1530_humble-man_the-humble-man-seeks-at-all-times-to-act_3102572.jpg)
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
