“Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.”
- 571 BC? – 470 BC?
- Born in China
- Philosopher
- Founder of Taoism, author of the Tao Te Ching and systematized Taoist thought
table of contents
Quote
“Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.”
Explanation
This quote from Laozi highlights the essential qualities that make up a virtuous and successful life. Laozi places sublimity—a state of elevated greatness or transcendence—at the highest level of all that is good. Sublimity is not just beauty or greatness in appearance, but a profound depth of wisdom, grace, and spiritual maturity that transcends the ordinary. It is the essence that gives true beauty its depth and meaning. Following sublimity, success arises when all beautiful elements of life come together harmoniously—when inner beauty, outer beauty, and the beauty of purpose align.
Laozi then emphasizes that furtherance, or progress, is born from the alignment of justice—when all that is just comes into agreement, creating a harmonious environment for positive growth and development. Finally, Laozi points to perseverance as the foundation of all actions, underscoring that true achievement and success are built on the consistent and steady effort over time. Without perseverance, even the most beautiful and just intentions may falter.
In modern life, this teaching can be applied to both personal development and leadership. The pursuit of sublimity encourages us to strive for depth, wisdom, and authenticity in all our actions, rather than superficial accomplishments. Success is not just about achieving a goal but about ensuring that all elements—our values, actions, and relationships—are in harmony. Justice or furtherance can be seen in social movements or ethical decision-making, where the coming together of the right actions and fair intentions leads to long-lasting positive change. Finally, perseverance reminds us that no matter how beautiful or just the goal, consistent effort and determination are what ultimately bring it to fruition.
Laozi’s wisdom encourages us to embrace the qualities of sublimity, justice, and perseverance in our journey, understanding that they form the foundation for true success, not just in achieving external goals but in living a life of purpose, meaning, and lasting impact.
