The best athlete wants his opponent at his best. The best general enters the mind of his enemy. The best businessman serves the communal good. The best leader follows the will of the people. All of the embody the virtue of non-competition. Not that they don't love to compete, but they do it in the spirit of play. In this they are like children and in harmony with the Tao.
Interpretation
True excellence lies in uplifting others and engaging in competition with a spirit of play.
This quote emphasizes that the most exceptional individuals, whether athletes, generals, businessmen, or leaders, thrive not solely by competing against others but by understanding them and advancing the greater good. By embodying the virtue of non-competition, they exhibit a maturity and depth that resonates with the principles of the Tao, highlighting the importance of cooperation and joy in pursuit of excellence rather than hostility.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a leadership seminar to illustrate the importance of empathy and community in effective leadership.
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.
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
It is a sad thing when men have neither enough intelligence to speak well nor enough sense to hold their tongues; this is the root of all impertinence.
Put least trust in him who is foremost to praise you, nor judge of a road till it draw to the end.
I forgive myself for not being perfect. I am living the very best way I know how.
A speculator is a man who observes the future, and acts before it occurs.
The rare individuals who unselfishly try to serve others have an enormous advantage-they have little competition.
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