If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.

Summary

This quote highlights the idea that in times of moral decay and confusion, virtues such as morality, duty, and love tend to emerge. It suggests that the presence of an established order or system may lead to complacency, but when that order breaks down, individuals feel the need to uphold these virtues. It also implies that the prevalence of deceit and dishonesty increases with the growth of knowledge and cleverness. In essence, the quote suggests that certain virtues are more likely to surface during challenging and tumultuous times.

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