Act without doing; work without effort. Think of the small as large and the few as many. Confront the difficult while it is still easy; accomplish the great task by a series of small acts. The Master never reaches for the great; thus she achieves greatness. When she runs into a difficulty, she stops and gives herself to it. She doesn't cling to her own comfort; thus problems are no problem for her.
Interpretation
Focus on small actions to achieve greatness without excessive effort.
This quote from Laozi emphasizes the importance of approaching tasks with a sense of ease and fluidity. It suggests that true mastery comes from recognizing the significance of small actions and facing challenges calmly, instead of becoming overwhelmed by them. By detaching from the need for constant struggle or clinging to comfort, one can navigate difficulties more effectively and reach greater heights without unnecessary strain.
In practice
This quote can be used to inspire a team tackling a large project by reminding them of the importance of incremental progress.
If you understand others you are smart._x000D_ If you understand yourself you are illuminated._x000D_ If you overcome others you are powerful._x000D_ If you overcome yourself you have strength._x000D_ If you know how to be satisfied you are rich._x000D_ If you can act with vigor, you have a will._x000D_ If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting._x000D_ If you die without loss, you are eternal.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.
In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
Rule your mind with serenity rather than with force and manipulation.
Ignorance is a blank sheet, on which we may write; but error is a scribbled one, on which we must first erase.
When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the commonest, the most idiomatic. Eschew fine words as you would rouge; love simple ones as you would the native roses on your cheek.
Presumption should never make us neglect that which appears easy to us, nor despair make us lose courage at the sight of difficulties.
Keep the circus going inside you, keep it going, don't take anything too seriously, it'll all work out in the end.
How would it be possible if salvation were ready to our hand, and could without great labor be found, that it should be by almost all men neglected? But all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.
To strive with an equal is dangerous; with a superior, mad; with an inferior, degrading.
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