--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Virtue in its grandest aspect is neither…" description: "\"Virtue in its grandest aspect is neither more nor less than following reason.\" — Laozi" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/072/laozi-147_aspect_virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither_1626588.jpg" --- # Virtue in its grandest aspect is neither more nor less… ![“Virtue in its grandest aspect is neither more nor less than following reason.” quote by Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/072/laozi-147_aspect_virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither_1626588.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/072/laozi-147_aspect_virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither_1626588.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/072/laozi-147_aspect_virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither_1626588.jpg) > “Virtue in its grandest aspect is neither more nor less than following reason.” [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. Virtue is achieved by aligning actions with rational principles. **In simple terms:** Virtue follows reason. Key Takeaway Live according to reason. Themes virtue reason philosophy Mood calm instructive Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - decision making - conflict resolution - personal growth Key Concepts rationality ethical living natural order Questions to Reflect On - How does reason guide your moral choices? - When is following reason difficult? A Different Perspective Reason may conflict with emotional impulses. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [The grandest virtue seems deficient.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-grandest-virtue-seems-deficient/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [I call the book of Job, apart from all theories about it, one of the grandest things ever written with the pen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-carlyle/i-call-the-book-of-job-apart-from-all-theories-about-it-one-of-the/) [Thomas Carlyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-carlyle/) > [Home is the grandest of all institutions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-spurgeon/home-is-the-grandest-of-all-institutions/) [Charles Spurgeon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-spurgeon/) > [How can I develop myself into the grandest possible manhood?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orison-swett-marden/how-can-i-develop-myself-into-the-grandest-possible-manhood/) [Orison Swett Marden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orison-swett-marden/) > [Character: the grandest thing in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orison-swett-marden/character-the-grandest-thing-in-the-world/) [Orison Swett Marden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orison-swett-marden/) > [The battle of Austerlitz is the grandest of all I have fought.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/the-battle-of-austerlitz-is-the-grandest-of-all-i-have-fought/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [“Knowing the sin in this world’s grandest depravity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sorin-cerin/knowing-the-sin-in-this-world-s-grandest-depravity/) [Sorin Cerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sorin-cerin/) > [Truth is poetry; it is the grandest poetry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-hubbel-chapin/truth-is-poetry-it-is-the-grandest-poetry/) [Edwin Hubbel Chapin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-hubbel-chapin/) > [Two thousand years ago there was One here on this earth who lived the grandest life that ever has been lived yet - a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-william-robertson/two-thousand-years-ago-there-was-one-here-on-this-earth-who-lived-the/) [Frederick William Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-william-robertson/) > [The Silurian Period-the grandest of all the Periods,-and, as yet, apparently the seed-time of all succeeding life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-jeremiah-bigsby/the-silurian-period-the-grandest-of-all-the-periods-and-as-yet/) John Jeremiah Bigsby > [If I'm called to be on the grandest stage, at 'WrestleMania,' I'll be ready.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nia-jax/if-i-m-called-to-be-on-the-grandest-stage-at-wrestlemania-i-ll-be/) [Nia Jax](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nia-jax/) > [For a soul to come to Jesus, is the grandest event in its history.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-alleine/for-a-soul-to-come-to-jesus-is-the-grandest-event-in-its-history/) [Joseph Alleine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-alleine/) > [The most ordinary things, the most common and familiar, if we could see them in their true light, would turn out to be the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-de-montaigne/the-most-ordinary-things-the-most-common-and-familiar-if-we-could-see/) [Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-de-montaigne/) > [“The biggest catch need not be grandest at all.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-harglesis/the-biggest-catch-need-not-be-grandest-at-all/) [Andy Harglesis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-harglesis/) > [“To my way of thinking, no one can live in the grandest cathedral on earth, the Rocky Mountains, and not know that there's someone…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-connealy/to-my-way-of-thinking-no-one-can-live-in-the-grandest-cathedral-on/) [Mary Connealy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-connealy/) ## 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 Aspect quotes > [Why is wisdom so fair? Why is beauty so wise? Because all else is temporary, while beauty and wisdom are the only real and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vera-nazarian/why-is-wisdom-so-fair-why-is-beauty-so-wise-because-all-else-is/) [Vera Nazarian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vera-nazarian/) > [It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sun-tzu/it-is-according-to-the-shapes-that-i-lay-the-plans-for-victory-but/) [Sun Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sun-tzu/) > [I believe that simple, consistent shifts in our thinking and actions can lead to the miraculous in all aspects of our daily lives, including…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabrielle-bernstein/i-believe-that-simple-consistent-shifts-in-our-thinking-and-actions/) [Gabrielle Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabrielle-bernstein/) > [There is so much temptation to hold on to my career even more now. To try to micromanage and dictate every little aspect. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-lin/there-is-so-much-temptation-to-hold-on-to-my-career-even-more-now-to/) [Jeremy Lin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-lin/) > [I do miss the social aspect of sitting in a pub with a pint but you know what when I get down to it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ozzy-osbourne/i-do-miss-the-social-aspect-of-sitting-in-a-pub-with-a-pint-but-you/) [Ozzy Osbourne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ozzy-osbourne/) > [Some say that you should not want money at all because the desire for money is materialistic and not Spiritual. But we want you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esther-hicks/some-say-that-you-should-not-want-money-at-all-because-the-desire-for/) [Esther Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esther-hicks/) > [Death is but an aspect of life, and the destruction of one material form is but a prelude to building up of another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/death-is-but-an-aspect-of-life-and-the-destruction-of-one-material/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I would call myself a Gnostic. Which means, I'm interested in pursuing and understanding the spiritual nature of things. A Gnostic is somebody seeking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-crumb/i-would-call-myself-a-gnostic-which-means-i-m-interested-in-pursuing/) [Robert Crumb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-crumb/) > [One can be a great artist without being a great technician. There have been many famous ballet stars who did not have the ideal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fernando-bujones/one-can-be-a-great-artist-without-being-a-great-technician-there-have/) Fernando Bujones > [I love fall because I love the whole cuddling aspect of it, and a sweater dress has that vibe of I'm going to hunker…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-chastain/i-love-fall-because-i-love-the-whole-cuddling-aspect-of-it-and-a/) [Jessica Chastain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-chastain/) > [The socially redeeming aspect of golf lies in the vast number of lawyers and bankers and managers who play it, and when you think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/garrison-keillor/the-socially-redeeming-aspect-of-golf-lies-in-the-vast-number-of/) [Garrison Keillor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/garrison-keillor/) > [I didnt like the Survivor shows because of the mean-spirited aspect, and women certainly were part of whatever conflict they would create.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sharon-lawrence/i-didnt-like-the-survivor-shows-because-of-the-mean-spirited-aspect/) [Sharon Lawrence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sharon-lawrence/) > [MAC allowed me to have complete freedom on the collaborations—from the shades, the look-and-feel, to the campaign visuals. I have to admit that the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-treacy/mac-allowed-me-to-have-complete-freedom-on-the-collaborations-from/) [Philip Treacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-treacy/) > [I mean family is more important than anything in life. Family is important than my crew, D-Block, my rap career anything... It's the most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/styles-p/i-mean-family-is-more-important-than-anything-in-life-family-is/) [Styles P](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/styles-p/) > [Wealth is measured by the level of experience in all aspects of life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/wealth-is-measured-by-the-level-of-experience-in-all-aspects-of-life/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) Browse all 3,171 Aspect quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Virtue in its grandest aspect is neither more nor less than following reason.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laozi" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither-more-nor-less-than-following/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Aspect" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither-more-nor-less-than-following/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/072/laozi-147_aspect_virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither_1626588.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/072/laozi-147_aspect_virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither_1626588.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/072/laozi-147_aspect_virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither_1626588.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Virtue in its grandest aspect is neither more nor less than following reason.” — 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": "Virtue in its grandest aspect is...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither-more-nor-less-than-following/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/virtue-in-its-grandest-aspect-is-neither-more-nor-less-than-following/#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 } } ] } ```