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About this quote

What does it mean?
Seeking fame at the expense of your own identity disqualifies you from wisdom.
In plain terms
A true sage does not lose their self for fame.
What can you take from it?
Protect your identity over fame; losing yourself for praise is not wisdom.

Where it applies

  • career choices
  • social media use
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • prioritizing values over status
  • evaluating motivations
  • protecting identity

Questions to consider

  • What are you willing to lose for success?
  • Is your self intact with your reputation?

Another view

It assumes a sage has no interest in public impact or recognition.

More from Zhuangzi

  1. Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. I know the joy of fishes in the river through my own joy, as I go walking along the same river.

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. Great wisdom is generous; petty wisdom is contentious. Great speech is impassioned, small speech cantankerous.

    Permalink to quote #11

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