He who devotes himself to learning seeks from day to day to increase… — Lao Tzu · Smartyfair

He who devotes himself to learning seeks from day to day to increase his knowledge.

Lao Tzuphilosopher · Ancient China (traditionally 6th century BC)Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher believed to have written the Tao Te Ching, a book about living simply and in harmony with nature — today considered one of the most translated books in the world, second only to the Bible.8 quotes

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 90% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Tao Te Ching, ch. 48, Legge translation, 1891. Full chapter contrasts this with pursuing the Tao; this clause stands alone as the learning half.
Work: Tao Te Ching
Occasion: 6th century BCE (traditional) · China · chapter 48, contrasting learning with pursuing the Tao
Sources checked: en.wikisource.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026Fetched; confirmed verbatim opening clause of ch. 48 across two independent fetches

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More from Lao Tzu

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu A violent wind does not outlast the morning; a squall of rain does not outlast the day. Such is the course of Nature.

Lao Tzu The highest excellence is like water.

Lao Tzu A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lao Tzu To those who are good, I am good; and to those who are not good, I am also good; and thus all get to be good.

Lao Tzu He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent.

More on learning

A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverb The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

Aristotle Study the past if you would define the future.

Confucius By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.

Confucius Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.

Erasmus Learning is a kind of natural food for the mind.