The ordinary man keeps reaching for power;
thus he never has enough.
 Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation

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Author Lao Tzu
Source Tao Te Ching
Topic power ordinary
Date 4th century BC
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Stephen Mitchell
Weblink https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html

Context

“People would be content with their simple, everyday lives, in harmony, and free of desire. When there is no desire, all things are at peace. 38 The Master doesn't try to be powerful; thus he is truly powerful. The ordinary man keeps reaching for power; thus he never has enough. The Master does nothing, yet he leaves nothing undone. The ordinary man is always doing things, yet many more are left to be done. The kind man does something, yet something remains undone.” source