A great country is like the lower outlet of a river. It is the world's meeting ground, the world's female.
Interpretation
A great nation serves as a unifying force and nurtures diverse cultures and ideas.
Laozi's quote likens a great country to the lower outlet of a river, emphasizing its role as a converging point for various peoples and cultures. Just as a river gathers water from different sources and flows into the ocean, a successful nation brings together diverse influences, fostering harmony and collaboration, making it a nurturing ground for human development and creativity.
In practice
In a speech about national unity, one might quote Laozi to emphasize the importance of inclusivity.
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.
Life may be seen through many windows, none of them necessarily clear or opaque, less or more distorting than any of the others.
Even victors are by victories undone.
The right to life is the first human right. Abortion is killing someone that cannot defend himself.
The choice before human beings, is not, as a rule, between good and evil but between two evils.
For too long, we’ve called unbelievers to “invite Jesus into your life.” Jesus doesn’t want to be in your life. Your life is a wreck. Jesus calls you into his life. And his life isn’t boring or purposeless or static. It’s wild and exhilarating and unpredictable.
People destined to meet will do so, apparently by chance, at precisely the right moment.
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