Full Idea
Those of highest virtue do not strive for virtue, and so they have it.
Gist of Idea
The highest virtue is achieved without effort
Source
Laozi (Lao Tzu) (Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) [c.530 BCE], 38), quoted by Bryan van Norden - Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy 8.II.2
Book Reference
Norden,Bryan van: 'Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy' [Hackett 2011], p.128
A Reaction
Every moralist's dream is the person to whom virtue comes so naturally that no thought is required. This says they don't even notice it; Aristotle says they simply enjoying behaving virtuously.
Related Idea
Idea 2689 Good people enjoy virtuous action, just as musicians enjoy beautiful melodies [Aristotle]