To overcome the intelligent by folly is contrary to the natural order of things; to overcome the foolish by intelligence is in accord with the natural order. To overcome the intelligent by intelligence, however, is a matter of opportunity.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the natural hierarchy between intelligence and folly, emphasizing the rarity of equal intelligence confrontation.
Zhuge Liang's quote discusses the dynamics between intelligence and folly, suggesting that it is natural for folly to be overpowered by intelligence, while it is contrary to the natural order for the intelligent to be defeated by folly. The quote further implies that matching intelligence with intelligence is rare and relies on circumstances and opportunities, suggesting a deeper reflection on the balance of wit and the complexities of interaction between individuals.
In practice
In a discussion about decision-making in leadership, one could quote this to highlight the importance of wisdom over foolish choices.
Opportunistic relationships can hardly be kept constant. The acquaintance of honorable people, even at a distance, does not add flowers in times of warmth and does not change its leaves in times of cold: it continues unfading through the four seasons, becomes increasingly stable as it passes through ease and danger.
First organize the inner, then organize the outer ... First organize the great, then organize the small. First organize yourself, and then organize others.
Strength is but one aspect of power.
Good generals select intelligent officers, thoughtful advisors, and brave subordinates. They oversee their troops like a fierce tiger with wings.
Battles are not won by strength alone!
Nothing is harder to see into thanpeoples nature. The sage looks at subtle phenomena and listens tosmall voices. This harmonizes the outside with the inside and the inside with the outside.
I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life.
The young are so old, they are born with their fingers crossed.
Whatever he says, let his inner resolution be not to bear whatever comes to him, but to bear it 'for a reasonable period'--and let the reasonable period be shorter than the trial is likely to last. It need not be much shorter; in attacks on patience, chastity, and fortitude, the fun is to make the man yield just when (had he but known it) relief was almost in sight.
Asking the proper question is the central action of transformation- in fairy tales, in analysis, and in individuation. The key question causes germination of consciousness. The properly shaped question always emanates from an essential curiosity about what stands behind. Questions are the keys that cause the secret doors of the psyche to swing open.
Some people are born mediocre, some people achieve mediocrity, and some people have mediocrity thrust upon them.
Don’t worry about achieving. Don’t worry about perfection. Just be there each moment as best you can.
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