In ancient times, those who followed the Way did not try to give people knowledge thereof, but kept them ignorant.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that true knowledge is often withheld in order to maintain a natural order and harmony.
Laozi implies that in ancient traditions, those who understood the 'Way' believed that sharing their knowledge too freely could disrupt the simplicity and purity of life. Instead of spreading knowledge for the sake of enlightenment, they chose to maintain a state of ignorance among the masses to preserve a natural balance and prevent chaos.
In practice
In a discussion about education systems, one might quote this to emphasize the value of experiential learning over mere information transfer.
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.
A man is the sum of his misfortunes. One day you'd think misfortune would get tired but then time is your misfortune
One war, such as that of our Revolution, is enough for one life.
The longest tyranny that ever sway'd_x000D_ _x000D_ Was that wherein our ancestors betray'd_x000D_ _x000D_ Their free-born reason to the Stagirite [Aristotle],_x000D_ _x000D_ And made his torch their universal light._x000D_ _x000D_ So truth, while only one suppli'd the state,_x000D_ _x000D_ Grew scarce, and dear, and yet sophisticate.
The United States was founded on the idea that all people are endowed with inalienable rights, and that principle has allowed us to work to perfect our union at home while standing as a beacon of hope to the world. Today, that principle is embodied in agreements Americans helped forge - the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions, and treaties against torture and genocide - and it unites us with people from every country and culture.
While one might laugh at the meaningless boredom of people a decade or two ago, the emptiness has for many now moved from the state of boredom to a state of futility and despair, which holds promise of dangers.
A refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice.
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