Quotation by

Lao Tzu

When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth it is the beginning of disorder.

Lao Tzu

Truth

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Lao Tzu is saying that as true goodness and moral values disappear, people start settling for lesser qualities that only imitate the real thing, like kindness without true virtue or rules followed just for convenience. This gradual decline leads to chaos because acting out of expediency means ignoring genuine truth and proper principles.

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