Quotation by

Lao Tzu

Truthful words are not beautiful beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive persuasive words are not good.

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Lao Tzu is saying that what is genuinely true may sound harsh or plain, while words that sound pretty might not be honest. Similarly, words that are morally right may not convince others, and words designed to persuade might lack goodness.

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