An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the value of action over inaction, regardless of the size or strength of the actor.
Laozi's quote suggests that even the smallest and most seemingly insignificant efforts can lead to greater outcomes than doing nothing, regardless of one's potential or capabilities. It highlights the importance of being proactive and taking initiative, suggesting that consistent effort, even if modest, is more valuable than idleness or mere potential.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage students to take initiative in their studies.
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.
For me, it's been liberating to put myself in the mind of a fictitious six year-old each day, and rediscover my own curiosity. I've been amazed at how one idea leads to others if I allow my mind to play and wander.
When I was a very young lawyer, I had a senior partner who advised me never to get mad, except on purpose.
The difference between a good and a poor architect is that the poor architect succumbs to every temptation and the good one resists it.
I had been my whole life a bell, and never knew it until at that moment I was lifted and struck.
To be in good moral condition requires at least as much training as to be in good physical condition.
It is not the rich man you should properly call happy, _x000D_ but him who knows how to use with wisdom the blessings of the gods, _x000D_ to endure hard poverty, and who fears dishonor worse than death, _x000D_ and is not afraid to die for cherished friends or fatherland.
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