Heaven and Earth last for ever. Why do Heaven and Earth last for ever? They are unborn, so ever living. The sage stays behind, thus he is ahead. He is detached, thus at one with all. Through selfless action, he attains fulfillment.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the eternal nature of the universe and the wisdom of selflessness.
Laozi's quote reflects on the concept of permanence in the universe, where nature exists forever without being born or created. It suggests that by embracing selflessness and detachment, one can attain a deeper connection with the universe and achieve greater fulfillment in life, demonstrating the wisdom of being humble and putting others before oneself.
In practice
In a motivational speech about selflessness and 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.
Each thing that exists remains forever, and that very existence of existence is proof of its eternity. But without that realization, which is the knowledge of perfect being, man would never know whether there was existence or non-existence. If eternal existence is altered, then it must become more beautiful; and if it disappears, it must return with more sublime image; and if it sleeps, it must dream of a better awakening, for it is ever greater upon its rebirth.
How dismal it is to see present day Americans yearning for the very orthodoxy that their country was founded to escape.
...like a magnetic compass turning north, I always tried to head in the direction of the better, which is the direction to God. ...the directions that appeared to lead away from Christianity led me deeper into it.
Reality is not always probable, or likely.
The bad fortune of the good turns their faces up to heaven; the good fortune of the bad bows their heads down to the earth.
Bridges would not be safer if only people who knew the proper definition of a real number were allowed to design them.
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