--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The real art of governing consists, so…" description: "\"The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.\" — Laozi" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b1/laozi-147_art_the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-fa_3099909.jpg" --- # The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in… ![“The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.” quote by Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b1/laozi-147_art_the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-fa_3099909.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b1/laozi-147_art_the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-fa_3099909.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b1/laozi-147_art_the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-fa_3099909.jpg) > “The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.” [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. Governance works best when leaders intervene minimally, allowing natural order to unfold. **In simple terms:** Good leadership often means doing less. Key Takeaway Practice restraint in decision‑making. Themes leadership governance minimalism Mood calm reflective Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - political leadership - organizational management - community building Key Concepts Taoist philosophy non‑action Questions to Reflect On - When is intervention necessary? - How does restraint affect outcomes? A Different Perspective Too much inaction can lead to neglect of urgent problems. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Art Governing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art-governing-821823/) [Doing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doing/) [Doing nothing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doing-nothing/) [Governing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/governing/) [Governing Consists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/governing-consists-3528479/) [Political](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Possible Doing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possible-doing-2401190/) [Real](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real/) ## Related quotes > [The great art of governing consists in not letting men grow old in their jobs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/the-great-art-of-governing-consists-in-not-letting-men-grow-old-in/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [The art of governing consists simply of being honest, exercising common sense, following principle, and doing what is right and just.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/the-art-of-governing-consists-simply-of-being-honest-exercising/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The art of governing is a great metier, requiring the whole man, and it is therefore not well for a ruler to have too…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/the-art-of-governing-is-a-great-metier-requiring-the-whole-man-and-it/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [ The art of governing \[focusing\] the passions is more useful, and more important, than many things in the search and pursuit of which we… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-jortin/the-art-of-governing-focusing-the-passions-is-more-useful-and-more/) [John Jortin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-jortin/) > [The art of governing mankind by deceiving them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-disraeli/the-art-of-governing-mankind-by-deceiving-them/) [Benjamin Disraeli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-disraeli/) > [“The art of governing, Dickon, is that of making use of talent wherever you do find it. Trust is too rare an attribute to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sharon-kay-penman/the-art-of-governing-dickon-is-that-of-making-use-of-talent-wherever/) [Sharon Kay Penman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sharon-kay-penman/) > [“Once you've experienced it and you know it's possible, then you should be doing everything in your power ==========”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/once-you-ve-experienced-it-and-you-know-it-s-possible-then-you-should/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Just like Grant Fuhr and Tony McKegney showed me it was possible to do what I'm doing, I want to be someone who shows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jarome-iginla/just-like-grant-fuhr-and-tony-mckegney-showed-me-it-was-possible-to/) [Jarome Iginla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jarome-iginla/) > [I've learned in my life that you really don't know what's possible until you're already doing it,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liz-murray/i-ve-learned-in-my-life-that-you-really-don-t-know-what-s-possible/) [Liz Murray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liz-murray/) > [Make sure, as often as possible, you are doing something you’d be happy to die doing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-haig/make-sure-as-often-as-possible-you-are-doing-something-you-d-be-happy/) [Matt Haig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-haig/) > [“All who have meditated upon the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depend upon the education of youth.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/all-who-have-meditated-upon-the-art-of-governing-mankind-have-been/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [Do nothing, and leave nothing undone. \["Doing nothing" is what happens when the doer disappears, it isn't something that one does or chooses not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/do-nothing-and-leave-nothing-undone-doing-nothing-is-what-happens/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The master accomplishes more and more by doing less and less until finally he accomplishes everything by doing nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-master-accomplishes-more-and-more-by-doing-less-and-less-until/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The sage acts by doing nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-acts-by-doing-nothing/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn't try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms. For every force there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/whoever-relies-on-the-tao-in-governing-men-doesn-t-try-to-force/) [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 Art quotes > [True works of art contain their own theory and give us the measurement according to which we should judge them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/true-works-of-art-contain-their-own-theory-and-give-us-the/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [Before Noah, men having only water to drink, could not find the truth. Accordingly...they became abominably wicked, and they were justly exterminated by the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-franklin/before-noah-men-having-only-water-to-drink-could-not-find-the-truth/) [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) > [“Hear the sum of the whole matter in the compass of one brief word — every art possessed by man comes from Prometheus.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aeschylus/hear-the-sum-of-the-whole-matter-in-the-compass-of-one-brief-word/) [Aeschylus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aeschylus/) > [I think most artists feel like they're outside society - no matter how many accolades they receive, or how much money is in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-rose/i-think-most-artists-feel-like-they-re-outside-society-no-matter-how/) [Aaron Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-rose/) > [The capacity to be puzzled is the premise of all creation, be it in art or in science.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erich-fromm/the-capacity-to-be-puzzled-is-the-premise-of-all-creation-be-it-in/) [Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-fromm/) > [That's the great secret of creativity. You treat ideas like cats: you make them follow you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ray-bradbury/that-s-the-great-secret-of-creativity-you-treat-ideas-like-cats-you/) [Ray Bradbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ray-bradbury/) > [“So, really," continued Jacob as if this were perfectly normal to expound on art in these circumstances, "when you think about it, the artists…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justina-chen-headley/so-really-continued-jacob-as-if-this-were-perfectly-normal-to-expound/) [Justina Chen Headley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justina-chen-headley/) > [“There are two options in art; either to adopt philosophical life by dissecting art, or to write your own philosophical life and claim it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/taf-teh/there-are-two-options-in-art-either-to-adopt-philosophical-life-by/) [Taf Teh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/taf-teh/) > [The house has to serve comfort. The work of art is revolutionary; the house is conservative.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adolf-loos/the-house-has-to-serve-comfort-the-work-of-art-is-revolutionary-the/) [Adolf Loos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adolf-loos/) > [During human progress, every science is evolved out of its corresponding art.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-spencer/during-human-progress-every-science-is-evolved-out-of-its/) [Herbert Spencer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-spencer/) > [In literature and art memory is a synonym for invention. It is the life-blood of imagination, which faints and dies when the veins are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-aris-willmott/in-literature-and-art-memory-is-a-synonym-for-invention-it-is-the/) [Robert Aris Willmott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-aris-willmott/) > [I think a business guy is different from an artist. They walk different paths. Artists create the best outputs when they're having fun. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-dragon/i-think-a-business-guy-is-different-from-an-artist-they-walk/) [G-Dragon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-dragon/) > [“The only thing--I tell you this straight from the heart--that disgusts me in Salzburg is that one can't have any proper social intercourse with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart/the-only-thing-i-tell-you-this-straight-from-the-heart-that-disgusts/) [Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart/) > [The sublime in art is the attempt to express the infinite without finding in the realm of phenomena any object which proves itself fitting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel/the-sublime-in-art-is-the-attempt-to-express-the-infinite-without/) [Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel/) > [Art isn't done to decorate apartments, but to wage war against the enemy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pablo-picasso/art-isn-t-done-to-decorate-apartments-but-to-wage-war-against-the/) [Pablo Picasso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pablo-picasso/) [Browse all 48,643 Art quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-far-as-possible-in-doing-nothing/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Art" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-far-as-possible-in-doing-nothing/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b1/laozi-147_art_the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-fa_3099909.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b1/laozi-147_art_the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-fa_3099909.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b1/laozi-147_art_the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-fa_3099909.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.” — Laozi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Laozi", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The real art of governing consists,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-far-as-possible-in-doing-nothing/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-real-art-of-governing-consists-so-far-as-possible-in-doing-nothing/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```