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德

Dé

Literal: Virtue/Power

TCM & Philosophy

Meaning

Moral virtue and its natural power. In Daoism, de is the virtue that arises from living in accordance with the Dao. A person of great de naturally attracts respect and influence without coercion. It is inner power expressed through character.

Usage Example

“A leader's de is shown not in commands but in how people naturally follow.”

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