---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The hidden so-called scholars of old did…"
description: "\"The hidden so-called scholars of old did not hide themselves and refuse to be seen. They did not close the door on their words and refuse to let them o..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/358/zhuangzi-1341_deep-roots_the-hidden-so-called-scholars-of-old-did_2160717.jpg"
---

#  The hidden so-called scholars of old did not hide…

![“The hidden so-called scholars of old did not hide themselves and refuse to be seen. They did not close the door on their words and refuse to let them out. They did not shut away their wisdom and refuse to share it. But those times were all haywire. If it had been possible for them to act, they…” quote by Zhuangzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/358/zhuangzi-1341_deep-roots_the-hidden-so-called-scholars-of-old-did_2160717.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/358/zhuangzi-1341_deep-roots_the-hidden-so-called-scholars-of-old-did_2160717.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/358/zhuangzi-1341_deep-roots_the-hidden-so-called-scholars-of-old-did_2160717.jpg)

> “The hidden so-called scholars of old did not hide themselves and refuse to be seen. They did not close the door on their words and refuse to let them out. They did not shut away their wisdom and refuse to share it. But those times were all haywire. If it had been possible for them to act, they could have done great things, bringing all to Oneness without any sign of doing so. However, the times were not favorable and it was not possible, so they put down deep roots, remained still and waited. this was the Tao by which they survived.”

[Zhuangzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zhuangzi/)

## 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 must be shared, but when conditions are hostile, quiet patience preserves it for future impact.

**In simple terms:** Share wisdom when possible; otherwise wait patiently.

Key Takeaway

Adapt to circumstances while preserving knowledge.

Themes

patience wisdom adaptation survival timing

Mood

reflective calm thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- teaching
- mentoring
- cultural preservation
- political oppression
- spiritual practice

Key Concepts

Daoism philosophy strategic restraint

Questions to Reflect On

- When is the right moment to speak out?
- How can quiet influence shape change?

A Different Perspective

If you share too early, you may be silenced or misunderstood.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Deep roots](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deep-roots/) [Great things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great-things/) [Heaven and earth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven-and-earth/) [Oneness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/oneness/) [Roots](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/roots/) [Scholar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scholar/) [Tao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tao/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/)

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## More by Zhuangzi

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