--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The Tao that can be spoken is not the…" description: "\"The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.\" — Laozi" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/262/laozi-147_heaven-and-earth_the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-tr_2306307.jpg" --- # The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao. ![“The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.” quote by Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/262/laozi-147_heaven-and-earth_the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-tr_2306307.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/262/laozi-147_heaven-and-earth_the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-tr_2306307.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/262/laozi-147_heaven-and-earth_the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-tr_2306307.jpg) > “The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.” [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 Tao transcends language; spoken definitions cannot capture its essence. **In simple terms:** The ultimate truth can't be fully expressed in words. Key Takeaway Seek understanding beyond verbal description. Themes philosophy spirituality language Mood contemplative mysterious Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - meditation - study of philosophy - teaching - personal growth Key Concepts ineffability paradox Questions to Reflect On - How do you experience the Tao without words? - Can silence convey meaning? A Different Perspective Words can still guide insight despite limits. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Heaven and earth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven-and-earth/) [Spoken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spoken/) [Spoken True](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spoken-true-5463847/) [Tao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tao/) [Tao ching](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tao-ching/) [Tao Spoken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tao-spoken-5463846/) [Tao te ching](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tao-te-ching/) [True](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true/) [True Tao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-tao-1485304/) ## Related quotes > [If you want to accord with the Tao, just do your job, then let go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-you-want-to-accord-with-the-tao-just-do-your-job-then-let-go/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [He who stands on tiptoe does not stand firm.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-who-stands-on-tiptoe-does-not-stand-firm/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [He who stands on tiptoe doesn't stand firm. He who rushes ahead doesn't go far. He who tries to shine dims his own light.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/he-who-stands-on-tiptoe-doesn-t-stand-firm-he-who-rushes-ahead-doesn/) [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/) > [Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/let-things-flow-naturally-forward-in-whatever-way-they-like/) [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/) > [In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/in-dwelling-live-close-to-the-ground-in-thinking-keep-to-the-simple-3/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [A great nation is like a great man:When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.Having realized it, he admits it.Having admitted it, he corrects…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/a-great-nation-is-like-a-great-man-when-he-makes-a-mistake-he/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Observe how endings become beginnings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/observe-how-endings-become-beginnings/) [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 nameless is the beginning of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of all things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-nameless-is-the-beginning-of-heaven-and-earth-the-named-is-the/) [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/) > [Try to change it and you will ruin it. Try to hold it and you will lose it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/try-to-change-it-and-you-will-ruin-it-try-to-hold-it-and-you-will/) [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 Heaven and earth quotes > [Natural history is not taught in seminary. This is curious, as most people in pastoral ministry are about 567 times more likely to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sara-maitland/natural-history-is-not-taught-in-seminary-this-is-curious-as-most/) [Sara Maitland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sara-maitland/) > [When black women are down with you and in your corner, you have an ally that will move Heaven and Earth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tyler-perry/when-black-women-are-down-with-you-and-in-your-corner-you-have-an/) [Tyler Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tyler-perry/) > [“Make peace with yourself, and both heaven and earth will make peace with you.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/st-isaac-the-syrian/make-peace-with-yourself-and-both-heaven-and-earth-will-make-peace/) [St. Isaac the Syrian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/st-isaac-the-syrian/) > [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/) > [“I’ll move heaven and earth to make you happy, Evie. I want you there when I wake up every morning and there when I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynn-raye-harris/i-ll-move-heaven-and-earth-to-make-you-happy-evie-i-want-you-there/) [Lynn Raye Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynn-raye-harris/) > [Do not like, do not dislike; all will then be clear. Make a hairbreadth difference and heaven and earth are set apart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/do-not-like-do-not-dislike-all-will-then-be-clear-make-a-hairbreadth/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [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/) > [“Therefore the Tao is great;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/therefore-the-tao-is-great/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“This is what is called 'The mysterious Quality' (of the Tao).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/this-is-what-is-called-the-mysterious-quality-of-the-tao/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [They say that God lives very high! But if you look above the pines You cannot see our God. And why? And if you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-barrett-browning/they-say-that-god-lives-very-high-but-if-you-look-above-the-pines-you/) [Elizabeth Barrett Browning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-barrett-browning/) > [Affection as a essential principle of relatedness is of the greatest importance of relationships in the world. For the union of heaven and earth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/affection-as-a-essential-principle-of-relatedness-is-of-the-greatest/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [As regards the quietude of the sage, he is not quiet because quietness is said to be good. He is quiet because the multitude…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zhuangzi/as-regards-the-quietude-of-the-sage-he-is-not-quiet-because-quietness/) [Zhuangzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zhuangzi/) > [Ah, there are so many things betwixt heaven and earth of which only the poets have dreamed!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/ah-there-are-so-many-things-betwixt-heaven-and-earth-of-which-only/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [“We come to conquer this land by his command, that all may come to a knowledge of God and of His Holy Catholic Faith;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jared-diamond/we-come-to-conquer-this-land-by-his-command-that-all-may-come-to-a/) [Jared Diamond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jared-diamond/) > [Heaven and earth, advantages and obstacles, conspire to educate genius.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-fuseli/heaven-and-earth-advantages-and-obstacles-conspire-to-educate-genius/) [Henry Fuseli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-fuseli/) [Browse all 635 Heaven and earth quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven-and-earth/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-true-tao/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Heaven and earth" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-true-tao/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/262/laozi-147_heaven-and-earth_the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-tr_2306307.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/262/laozi-147_heaven-and-earth_the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-tr_2306307.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/262/laozi-147_heaven-and-earth_the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-tr_2306307.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.” — 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 Tao that can be spoken...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-true-tao/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-that-can-be-spoken-is-not-the-true-tao/#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 } } ] } ```