Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.
Interpretation
Seeking others' approval can lead to a loss of personal freedom.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the idea that caring excessively about what others think can trap you in a cycle of seeking validation, ultimately compromising your autonomy and personal happiness. It suggests that true freedom comes from valuing your own beliefs and actions over the approval of others.
In practice
In a motivational speech about self-acceptance.
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.
If we are all alive ten years hence, let's meet, and see how many of us have got our wishes, or how much nearer we are then than now.
The mind that doggedly insists on prejudice often has not intelligence enough to change.
Reading - the best state yet to keep absolute loneliness at bay.
Look and you will find it - what is unsought will go undetected.
It is loneliness that makes the loudest noise. This is true of men as of dogs.
Self-pity is a dead-end road. You make the choice to drive down it. It's up to you to decide to stay parked there or to turn around and drive out.
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