“He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much.”
- 571 BC? – 470 BC?
- Born in China
- Philosopher
- Founder of Taoism, author of the Tao Te Ching and systematized Taoist thought
Quote
“He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much.”
Explanation
This quote from Laozi highlights the idea that attachment to material possessions or the act of constantly trying to accumulate often leads to limitations and emptiness, while generosity and the act of sharing or giving brings greater abundance. Laozi contrasts the two approaches to life: the person who is focused on obtaining and holding onto wealth or resources will find that they are never truly satisfied, as accumulation often leads to greed and fear of loss. In contrast, the one who scatters, or shares freely, opens themselves to greater abundance not just in material terms, but also in emotional, spiritual, and relational wealth. The act of giving fosters a sense of openness and connection, leading to a deeper, more meaningful sense of fulfillment.
In modern terms, this quote can be applied to both material possessions and emotional resources. In a world that often promotes acquiring wealth or status, Laozi reminds us that true wealth comes from generosity and community. Whether it’s time, attention, or resources, giving freely allows for the creation of a circular flow where both the giver and receiver benefit. For example, in the workplace, leaders who invest in the success and well-being of their teams by sharing knowledge, resources, and support create a culture of mutual success, rather than one based solely on individual competition. In personal relationships, those who give love and support without expectation of return often find that they receive much more in return in terms of deeper connections and emotional fulfillment.
This principle also connects to the Daoist concept of non-attachment. Laozi teaches that by letting go of the desire to hoard or possess, we are able to live in harmony with the natural flow of life. True abundance comes not from clinging to what we have, but from freely sharing and trusting that the universe will provide in return. By adopting a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, we find that the more we give, the more we receive—not necessarily in the form of tangible wealth, but in the form of joy, peace, and connection.
