The Great Vessel takes long to complete.
Interpretation
Great undertakings require time and patience to be fully realized.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving significant goals. Just like a large ship that takes a long time to finish, meaningful accomplishments often require sustained effort and time, reminding us that worthwhile outcomes cannot be rushed and are worth the investment of our time and energy.
In practice
In a motivational speech about pursuing long-term goals.
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.
Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.
Weariness can snore upon the flint when resting sloth finds the down pillow hard.
It's true that no policy fully survives first contact. But if you don't spend time anticipating the shots you are likely to take, you wind up flailing about wildly.
When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.
A prudent man will think more important what fate has conceded to him, than what it has denied.
The empty vessel makes the loudest sound.
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