Quotation by

Lao Tzu

If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants

Lao Tzu

Great

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Lao Tzu suggests that when the natural, simple path (the Great Way) is lost, society creates rules like morality and duty to compensate. He also implies that cleverness and knowledge can lead to deception, family conflicts bring about forced expressions of love, and political chaos results in loyalty from servants.

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