--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The sage has no concern for himself, but…" description: "\"The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own.\" — Laozi" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d6/laozi-147_compassion_the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but_3174322.jpg" --- # The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the… ![“The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own.” quote by Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d6/laozi-147_compassion_the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but_3174322.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d6/laozi-147_compassion_the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but_3174322.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d6/laozi-147_compassion_the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but_3174322.jpg) > “The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own.” [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. True wisdom puts others before self, sharing their burdens as one's own. **In simple terms:** Put others first. Key Takeaway Practice empathy and self‑lessness. Themes empathy selflessness leadership Mood compassionate thoughtful Type ethical inspirational When to use this quote - volunteering - team leadership - family support Key Concepts Taoism ethics community care Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance caring for others and yourself? - When does self‑care become selfish? A Different Perspective Self‑neglect can lead to burnout. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/) [Concern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/concern/) [Concern Makes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/concern-makes-5791443/) [Concerns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/concerns/) [Makes Concerns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/makes-concerns-5791442/) [Sage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sage/) [Sage Concern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sage-concern-5791441/) [Taoism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taoism/) ## Related quotes > [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/) > [The sage does not strive to be great. Thereby he can accomplish the great.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-does-not-strive-to-be-great-thereby-he-can-accomplish-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The sage embraces the one, and is an example to the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-embraces-the-one-and-is-an-example-to-the-world/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The sage is one with the world, and lives in harmony with it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-is-one-with-the-world-and-lives-in-harmony-with-it/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The Tao of the sage is work without effort.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-of-the-sage-is-work-without-effort/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Because he (the Sage) opposes no one, no one in the world can oppose him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/because-he-the-sage-opposes-no-one-no-one-in-the-world-can-oppose-him/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [He (the sage) wants all things to follow their own nature, but dares not act.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-the-sage-wants-all-things-to-follow-their-own-nature-but-dares-not/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The sage is sharp but does not cut, pointed but does not pierce, forthright but does not offend, bright but does not dazzle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-is-sharp-but-does-not-cut-pointed-but-does-not-pierce/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-acts-without-taking-credit-he-accomplishes-without-dwelling/) [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/) > [When the sage stands above people, they are not oppressed. When he leads people, they are not obstructed. The world will exalt him and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-the-sage-stands-above-people-they-are-not-oppressed-when-he/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [What Heaven detests, who knows why? Even the sage considers it difficult.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/what-heaven-detests-who-knows-why-even-the-sage-considers-it-difficult/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [When the uncarved wood is split, its parts are put to use. When the sage is put to use, he becomes the head.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/when-the-uncarved-wood-is-split-its-parts-are-put-to-use-when-the/) [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/) > [The sage avoids extremity, excess, and extravagance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-avoids-extremity-excess-and-extravagance/) [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 Compassion quotes > [Half the misery of human life might be extinguished if men would alleviate the general curse they lie under by mutual offices of compassion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/half-the-misery-of-human-life-might-be-extinguished-if-men-would/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [“I fight with love and kindness as my weapons and compassion as my defense.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debasish-mridha/i-fight-with-love-and-kindness-as-my-weapons-and-compassion-as-my/) [Debasish Mridha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debasish-mridha/) > [I really enjoy making people laugh; I've discovered that's a great technique. That's as powerful as stirring their sorrow, stirring their compassion, because that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-lucado/i-really-enjoy-making-people-laugh-i-ve-discovered-that-s-a-great/) [Max Lucado](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-lucado/) > [“If you refuse to use physical force, then you will be at the mercy of your oppressor!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/segun-magbagbeola/if-you-refuse-to-use-physical-force-then-you-will-be-at-the-mercy-of/) [Segun Magbagbeola](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/segun-magbagbeola/) > [For some reason, we are truly convinced that if we criticize ourselves, the criticism will lead to change. If we are harsh, we believe…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/for-some-reason-we-are-truly-convinced-that-if-we-criticize-ourselves/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [I could not have slept tonight if I had left that helpless little creature to perish on the ground.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/i-could-not-have-slept-tonight-if-i-had-left-that-helpless-little/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [We are puzzled and bewildered whenever we see suffering in this world because we have become accustomed to the mercy and the long-suffering of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/we-are-puzzled-and-bewildered-whenever-we-see-suffering-in-this-world/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [“Helpers in every corner, helpers in every hood. That's how we'll make the move, to reform from rude.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/helpers-in-every-corner-helpers-in-every-hood-that-s-how-we-ll-make/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-are-a-number-of-qualities-which-are-important-for-mental-peace/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [May the gods have mercy on whoever pisses them off, because Zarek and Jericho will have none for them. (Madoc) You’d better be glad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/may-the-gods-have-mercy-on-whoever-pisses-them-off-because-zarek-and/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [When you need empathy, you cannot give empathy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marshall-b-rosenberg/when-you-need-empathy-you-cannot-give-empathy/) [Marshall B. Rosenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marshall-b-rosenberg/) > [But victimhood was seductive, a release from responsibility and caring. Fear would be transmuted into weary resignation; failure would no longer generate guilt but,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-koontz/but-victimhood-was-seductive-a-release-from-responsibility-and-caring/) [Dean Koontz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-koontz/) > [“No one has any right to tell you that the way you perceive yourself is wrong. Because by doing so, they also discourage the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kamand-kojouri/no-one-has-any-right-to-tell-you-that-the-way-you-perceive-yourself/) [Kamand Kojouri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kamand-kojouri/) > [“la ilaha ilallah muhammadun rasulullah, alaihi salatullah wa alihi wal ahibba "shine your mercy like the sun, and be gracious as the earth let…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/talib-al-habib/la-ilaha-ilallah-muhammadun-rasulullah-alaihi-salatullah-wa-alihi-wal/) [Talib al Habib](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/talib-al-habib/) > [The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-darwin/the-love-for-all-living-creatures-is-the-most-noble-attribute-of-man/) [Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-darwin/) [Browse all 9,892 Compassion quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but-makes-the-concerns-of-others/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Compassion" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but-makes-the-concerns-of-others/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d6/laozi-147_compassion_the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but_3174322.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d6/laozi-147_compassion_the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but_3174322.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d6/laozi-147_compassion_the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but_3174322.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own.” — 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 sage has no concern for...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but-makes-the-concerns-of-others/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-sage-has-no-concern-for-himself-but-makes-the-concerns-of-others/#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 } } ] } ```