If the Great Way perishes there will be no 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
The quote “If the Great Way perishes there will be no morality and duty” explores the decline of important values and its impact on society. It delves into the concept of the Great Way as a moral compass, emphasizes the consequences of its demise on morality and duty, and discusses the relationship between intelligence, family dynamics, and a chaotic political environment. By understanding these ideas, we can work towards preserving the Great Way and promoting a harmonious and ethical society.
Table of Contents
- 1 If the Great Way perishes there will be no 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.
- 2 Lao Tzu
- 3 Meaning of Quote – If the Great Way perishes there will be no 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.
- 4 Freely Shareable Quote Image
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Meaning of Quote – If the Great Way perishes there will be no 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.
In the realm of philosophy and ethics, the quote, “If the Great Way perishes there will be no morality and duty,” presents thought-provoking ideas about the correlation between the decline of important values and the deterioration of society. As we delve into this quote, we can explore the concept of the Great Way, discuss the consequences of its demise, and analyze the relationship between intelligence and deception, family dynamics, and a chaotic political environment.
The Great Way, as mentioned in the quote, refers to a path or system that encompasses fundamental principles guiding human behavior and moral choices. It represents an ethical and virtuous approach to life that directs individuals towards righteousness and upholds the values needed for a harmonious society. Essentially, the Great Way constitutes a moral compass for humanity.
The quote suggests that if the Great Way were to perish, morality and duty would vanish along with it. Morality refers to the principles defining what is right and wrong, while duty pertains to the obligations we have towards ourselves and others in various roles and relationships. Without the Great Way’s influence, the fabric of morality and duty would be compromised.
It is important to note that the quote also highlights the importance of a particular circumstance for certain values to emerge. For instance, it claims, “When cleverness and knowledge arise, great lies will flourish.” This statement implies that intelligence and cunning can sometimes be used deceptively. While cleverness and knowledge are valuable traits, they can be manipulated to deceive and propagate falsehoods in the absence of ethical standards. Consequently, the rise of deceit and misinformation would undermine the trust and integrity required for a functional society.
In another vein, the quote mentions the impact of family dynamics on the existence of filial duty and love. Filial duty refers to the sense of responsibility and respect children have towards their parents and elders, while love represents the emotional bond within families. The quote states that “when relatives fall out with one another, there will be filial duty and love.” This implies that conflicts within families awaken a deeper appreciation for the importance of familial bonds and responsibilities. It suggests that through adversity, the significance of maintaining strong connections and fulfilling familial obligations becomes more apparent.
Furthermore, the quote acknowledges the presence of faithful servants in times of political and societal turmoil. It claims, “When states are in confusion, there will be faithful servants.” This statement sheds light on the role of loyal and dedicated individuals within a chaotic governing structure. It implies that faithful servants can help stabilize a disordered society by maintaining order, assisting in decision-making, and upholding justice. Their devotion and commitment play a vital role in establishing a sense of unity and structure during times of uncertainty.
Overall, the quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of different aspects of a society and how each element affects and relies on the others. It suggests that the decline of the Great Way results in the deterioration of morality and duty. Furthermore, it acknowledges the challenges that arise when intelligence is misused, when family bonds are strained, and when states experience confusion. In each of these scenarios, it suggests that a counterbalancing force emerges, often in the form of values and principles reasserting themselves.
In summary, the quote serves as a reflection on the potential consequences of the Great Way’s demise. It highlights the importance of ethical principles in upholding morality and duty within a society. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of integrity and honesty in the presence of cleverness and knowledge, the resilience of filial duty and love in times of family conflicts, and the reassurance provided by faithful servants during periods of political instability. By contemplating these ideas, we can strive to preserve and embrace the Great Way, ensuring a harmonious and ethical society for generations to come.
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