--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In dwelling, live close to the ground. In…" description: "\"In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple.\" — Laozi" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c96/laozi-147_book-of-tao_in-dwelling-live-close-to-the-ground-in_1149343.jpg" --- # In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep… ![“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple.” quote by Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c96/laozi-147_book-of-tao_in-dwelling-live-close-to-the-ground-in_1149343.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c96/laozi-147_book-of-tao_in-dwelling-live-close-to-the-ground-in_1149343.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c96/laozi-147_book-of-tao_in-dwelling-live-close-to-the-ground-in_1149343.jpg) > “In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple.” [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. Live simply in both home and mind, staying grounded and uncomplicated. **In simple terms:** Live close to ground, think simply. Key Takeaway Adopt simplicity in living and thinking. Themes simplicity groundedness mindfulness humility Mood calm reflective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - urban living - stress management - creative work - decision making - spiritual practice Key Concepts Daoism minimalism Questions to Reflect On - In what areas can you simplify your life? - How does simplicity affect your clarity? A Different Perspective Simplicity may conflict with modern complexity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Book of tao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book-of-tao/) [Governing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/governing/) [Tao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tao/) [Tao ching](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tao-ching/) [Tao te ching](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tao-te-ching/) [Taoism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taoism/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Work family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-family/) ## Related quotes > [“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/in-dwelling-live-close-to-the-ground-in-thinking-keep-to-the-simple/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [True words aren't eloquent; eloquent words aren't true. Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/true-words-aren-t-eloquent-eloquent-words-aren-t-true-wise-men-don-t-2/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-you-realize-that-you-have-enough-you-are-truly-rich/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [...the more you talk of it, the less you understand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-more-you-talk-of-it-the-less-you-understand/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [When people see some things as good, other things become bad.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-people-see-some-things-as-good-other-things-become-bad/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Yet mystery and imagination arise from the same source. This source is called darkness ... Darkness within darkness, the gateway to all understanding.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/yet-mystery-and-imagination-arise-from-the-same-source-this-source-is/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Free from desire, you realize the mystery.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/free-from-desire-you-realize-the-mystery/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Tao is like a well; used but never used up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-is-like-a-well-used-but-never-used-up/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. The unnamable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-that-can-be-told-is-not-the-eternal-tao-the-name-that-can-be-2/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/care-about-people-s-approval-and-you-will-be-their-prisoner/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-that-can-be-told-is-not-the-eternal-tao-the-name-that-can-be/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Master's power is like this. He lets all things come and go effortlessly, without desire. He never expects results; thus he is never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-master-s-power-is-like-this-he-lets-all-things-come-and-go/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [“him close, to ground him in the wake of what he had done. He shut his eyes against the sight of Paulson and lost…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leslie-north/him-close-to-ground-him-in-the-wake-of-what-he-had-done-he-shut-his/) Leslie North > [In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/in-dwelling-live-close-to-the-ground-in-thinking-keep-to-the-simple-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/a-good-artist-lets-his-intuition-lead-him-wherever-it-wants/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) ## 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 Book of tao quotes > [A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/a-good-artist-lets-his-intuition-lead-him-wherever-it-wants/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Master's power is like this. He lets all things come and go effortlessly, without desire. He never expects results; thus he is never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-master-s-power-is-like-this-he-lets-all-things-come-and-go/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Can you step back from your own mind and thus understand all things?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/can-you-step-back-from-your-own-mind-and-thus-understand-all-things/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-that-can-be-told-is-not-the-eternal-tao-the-name-that-can-be/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/care-about-people-s-approval-and-you-will-be-their-prisoner/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Remember that the more you know, the less you fear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-jackson-brown-jr/remember-that-the-more-you-know-the-less-you-fear/) [H. Jackson Brown, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-jackson-brown-jr/) > [Since before time and space were, the Tao is. It is beyond is and is not.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/since-before-time-and-space-were-the-tao-is-it-is-beyond-is-and-is-not/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/chase-after-money-and-security-and-your-heart-will-never-unclench/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. The unnamable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-that-can-be-told-is-not-the-eternal-tao-the-name-that-can-be-2/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Tao is like a well; used but never used up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-is-like-a-well-used-but-never-used-up/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Free from desire, you realize the mystery.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/free-from-desire-you-realize-the-mystery/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The more you know the less you talk.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-r-rahman/the-more-you-know-the-less-you-talk/) [A. R. Rahman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-r-rahman/) > [The more you know, the less you carry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mors-kochanski/the-more-you-know-the-less-you-carry/) [Mors Kochanski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mors-kochanski/) > [Yet mystery and imagination arise from the same source. This source is called darkness ... Darkness within darkness, the gateway to all understanding.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/yet-mystery-and-imagination-arise-from-the-same-source-this-source-is/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [When people see some things as good, other things become bad.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-people-see-some-things-as-good-other-things-become-bad/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) [Browse all 20 Book of tao quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book-of-tao/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "In dwelling, live close to the ground. 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