--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But in the present day men cast off…" description: "\"But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance; they discard humility, ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/251/laozi-147_aim_but-in-the-present-day-men-cast-off-gent_1962435.jpg" --- # But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are… ![“But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance; they discard humility, and aim only at being first. Therefore they shall surely perish.” quote by Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/251/laozi-147_aim_but-in-the-present-day-men-cast-off-gent_1962435.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/251/laozi-147_aim_but-in-the-present-day-men-cast-off-gent_1962435.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/251/laozi-147_aim_but-in-the-present-day-men-cast-off-gent_1962435.jpg) > “But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance; they discard humility, and aim only at being first. Therefore they shall surely perish.” [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People abandon modesty and humility for boldness and extravagance, leading to self‑destruction. **In simple terms:** Boldness replaces humility, causing ruin. Key Takeaway Value humility over bravado. Themes humility modesty pride extravagance consequences Mood reflective cautionary Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - personal relationships - leadership decisions - social trends Key Concepts Taoist philosophy moral decay Questions to Reflect On - What does true strength look like? - How can you balance confidence with humility? A Different Perspective Boldness without humility can foster arrogance and conflict. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aim/) [Bold Spurn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bold-spurn-3247445/) [Casts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/casts/) [Discard Humility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discard-humility-3247443/) [Extravagance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extravagance/) [Firsts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firsts/) [Frugality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/frugality/) [Gentleness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentleness/) [Gentleness Bold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentleness-bold-3247444/) [Humility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humility/) [Lowliness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lowliness/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Present day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/present-day/) [Surely Perish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surely-perish-2937463/) ## Related quotes > [With that gentleness I can be bold; with that economy I can be liberal; shrinking from taking precedence of others, I can become a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/with-that-gentleness-i-can-be-bold-with-that-economy-i-can-be-liberal/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserved-entire-he-that-bends-shall/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/therefore-if-a-great-kingdom-humbles-itself-before-a-small-kingdom-it/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Without music we shall surely perish of drink, morphia, and all sorts of artificial exaggerations of the cruder delights of the senses.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-bernard-shaw/without-music-we-shall-surely-perish-of-drink-morphia-and-all-sorts/) [George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/) > [Goodness strives not, and therefore it is not rebuked.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/goodness-strives-not-and-therefore-it-is-not-rebuked/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Therefore the Sage embraces Unity, and is a model for all under Heaven. He is free from self-display, therefore he shines forth; from self-assertion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/therefore-the-sage-embraces-unity-and-is-a-model-for-all-under-heaven/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The best soldiers are not warlike; the best fighters do not lose their temper. The greatest conquerors are those who overcome their enemies without…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-best-soldiers-are-not-warlike-the-best-fighters-do-not-lose-their/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Therefore the Sage, wishing to be above the people, must by his words put himself below them; wishing to be before the people, he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/therefore-the-sage-wishing-to-be-above-the-people-must-by-his-words/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [He who, conscious of being strong, is content to be weak, he shall be the paragon of mankind. Being the paragon of mankind, Virtue…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-who-conscious-of-being-strong-is-content-to-be-weak-he-shall-be/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Gentleness brings victory to him who attacks, and safety to him who defends. Those whom Heaven would save, it fences round with gentleness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/gentleness-brings-victory-to-him-who-attacks-and-safety-to-him-who/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [“Surely we should all perish through sheer inanity, or die desperately by suicide if no mystery remained in the world.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-d-beresford/surely-we-should-all-perish-through-sheer-inanity-or-die-desperately/) [J. D. Beresford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-d-beresford/) > [Favour will as surely perish as life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-herbert/favour-will-as-surely-perish-as-life/) [George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-herbert/) > [He who is great must make humility his base. He who is high must make lowliness his foundation. Thus, princes and kings in speaking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-who-is-great-must-make-humility-his-base-he-who-is-high-must-make/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [What makes a kingdom great is its being like a down-flowing river,--the central point towards which all the smaller streams under Heaven converge; or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/what-makes-a-kingdom-great-is-its-being-like-a-down-flowing-river-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [If we do not act together, we will surely perish.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonardo-dicaprio/if-we-do-not-act-together-we-will-surely-perish/) [Leonardo DiCaprio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonardo-dicaprio/) ## More by Laozi > [When you have accomplished your goal simply walk away. This is the path way to Heaven.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-you-have-accomplished-your-goal-simply-walk-away-this-is-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [In lightness the root is lost. In haste the ruler is lost.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/in-lightness-the-root-is-lost-in-haste-the-ruler-is-lost/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [If the sage wants to stand above people, he must speak to them from below. If he wants to lead people, he must follow…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-the-sage-wants-to-stand-above-people-he-must-speak-to-them-from/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Goodie-goodies are the thieves of virtue.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/goodie-goodies-are-the-thieves-of-virtue/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-that-humbles-himself-shall-be-preserved-entire-he-that-bends-shall/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Way of the Sage is to act but not to compete.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-way-of-the-sage-is-to-act-but-not-to-compete/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Do nondoing, strive for nonstriving, savor the flavorless, regard the small as important, make much of little, repay enmity with virtue; plan for difficulty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/do-nondoing-strive-for-nonstriving-savor-the-flavorless-regard-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Without looking through the window, you can see Heaven's Way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/without-looking-through-the-window-you-can-see-heaven-s-way/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Can you dissolve your ego? Can you abandon the idea of self and other? Can you relinquish the notions of male and female, short…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/can-you-dissolve-your-ego-can-you-abandon-the-idea-of-self-and-other/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Tao is the center of the universe, the good man's treasure, the bad man's refuge. Honors can be bought with fine words, respect…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-is-the-center-of-the-universe-the-good-man-s-treasure-the-bad/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [What's the difference between beautiful and ugly?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/what-s-the-difference-between-beautiful-and-ugly/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [In stillness the muddied water returns to clarity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/in-stillness-the-muddied-water-returns-to-clarity/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [He (the sage) is good to those who are good. He is also good to those who are not good. That is the virtue…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-the-sage-is-good-to-those-who-are-good-he-is-also-good-to-those/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [There is a thing inherent and natural which existed before heaven and earth. Motionless and fathomless, It stands alone and never changes; It pervades…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/there-is-a-thing-inherent-and-natural-which-existed-before-heaven-and/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [What is a good man but a bad man's teacher? What is a bad man but a good man's job? If you do not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/what-is-a-good-man-but-a-bad-man-s-teacher-what-is-a-bad-man-but-a/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Explore all 1,140 Laozi quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) ## More Aim quotes > [If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zig-ziglar/if-you-aim-at-nothing-you-will-hit-it-every-time/) [Zig Ziglar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zig-ziglar/) > [A good aim surveys the present state of experience of pupils, and forming a tentative plan of treatment, keeps the plan constantly in view…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dewey/a-good-aim-surveys-the-present-state-of-experience-of-pupils-and/) [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) > [The Christian man must aim at that complete obedience to God in which life finds its highest happiness, its greatest good, its perfect consummation,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-barclay/the-christian-man-must-aim-at-that-complete-obedience-to-god-in-which/) [William Barclay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-barclay/) > [ He \[an earnest young reporter\] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katherine-paterson/he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-share-the-view-of-many/) [Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katherine-paterson/) > [In Bosnia, little children shot in the head by a guy who thinks it's okay to aim his gun at a child.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christiane-amanpour/in-bosnia-little-children-shot-in-the-head-by-a-guy-who-thinks-it-s/) [Christiane Amanpour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christiane-amanpour/) > [Design certainly has a cosmetic, aesthetic aim. It always aims at making things beautiful. But relevance is just as important. I often say, 'If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yves-behar/design-certainly-has-a-cosmetic-aesthetic-aim-it-always-aims-at/) [Yves Behar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yves-behar/) > [My aim was to make money for the bank. You lose track of the amounts involved when you are engaged in this kind of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-kerviel/my-aim-was-to-make-money-for-the-bank-you-lose-track-of-the-amounts/) [Jerome Kerviel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-kerviel/) > [My only aim is to clock a time that everyone remembers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hima-das/my-only-aim-is-to-clock-a-time-that-everyone-remembers/) [Hima Das](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hima-das/) > [My main aim has always been to do good quality films with roles that have some substance. With Power and Beauty there were loads…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natasha-henstridge/my-main-aim-has-always-been-to-do-good-quality-films-with-roles-that/) [Natasha Henstridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natasha-henstridge/) > [ I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback \[in "The Invisible Woman"\]. Ralph \[Fiennes\] was very open to my input,… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/felicity-jones/i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-watching-rushes-and-playback-in/) [Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/felicity-jones/) > [My aim is to be counted among the top players.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/babar-azam/my-aim-is-to-be-counted-among-the-top-players/) [Babar Azam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/babar-azam/) > [The single aim of my life is that every child is: free to be a child, free to grow and develop, free to eat,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kailash-satyarthi/the-single-aim-of-my-life-is-that-every-child-is-free-to-be-a-child/) [Kailash Satyarthi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kailash-satyarthi/) > [The aim of good prose words is to mean what they say. The aim of good poetical words is to mean what they do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gilbert-k-chesterton/the-aim-of-good-prose-words-is-to-mean-what-they-say-the-aim-of-good/) [Gilbert K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gilbert-k-chesterton/) > [Prescribing hard work for the soft, or easy work for the hardy, is generally nonsense. What is always needed in any aim is right…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/idries-shah/prescribing-hard-work-for-the-soft-or-easy-work-for-the-hardy-is/) [Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/) > [To be normal is the ultimate aim of the unsuccessful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-jung/to-be-normal-is-the-ultimate-aim-of-the-unsuccessful/) [Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-jung/) [Browse all 3,047 Aim quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aim/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance; they discard humility, and aim only at being first. 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