more on this theme
|
more from this thinker
Single Idea 6331
[filed under theme 19. Language / F. Communication / 1. Rhetoric
]
Full Idea
Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful.
Gist of Idea
Truth is not beautiful; beautiful speech is not truthful
Source
Laozi (Lao Tzu) (Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) [c.530 BCE], II.LXXXI.194)
Book Ref
Lao Tzu: 'Tao Te Ching', ed/tr. Lau,D.C. [Penguin 1963], p.143
A Reaction
A sharp disagreement with Keats ('Ode to a Grecian Urn'). A deep and important question, especially in relation to Plato's discussion of rhetoric (where he is very ambivalent). Great mathematics is beautiful. Truth can harsh. On the whole, I disagree.
The
15 ideas
from 'Daodejing (Tao Te Ching)'
|
23401
|
A military victory is not a thing of beauty
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
23402
|
The highest virtue is achieved without effort
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6319
|
Wise people choose inaction and silence
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6320
|
The best rulers are invisible, the next admired, the next feared, and the worst are exploited
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6321
|
Vulgar people are alert; I alone am muddled
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6325
|
One who knows does not speak; one who speaks does not know
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6326
|
The better known the law, the more criminals there are
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6327
|
Do good to him who has done you an injury
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6328
|
To know yet to think that one does not know is best
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6329
|
People are hard to govern because authorities love to do things
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6330
|
One with no use for life is wiser than one who values it
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6331
|
Truth is not beautiful; beautiful speech is not truthful
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6324
|
To gain in goodness, treat as good those who are good, and those who are not
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6322
|
There is no crime greater than having too many desires
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|
|
6323
|
Pursuit of learning increases activity; the Way decreases it
[Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
|