Mold clay into a bowl. The empty space makes it useful.
Interpretation
Utility comes from the emptiness within a structure, as exemplified by a bowl.
This quote by Laozi illustrates the idea that, in order to create something useful, it is essential to incorporate emptiness or void, much like how a bowl derives its function from its hollow space. The quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing that not just the material form but the absence within it contributes significantly to its purpose and effectiveness.
In practice
In a discussion about design, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of negative space.
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.
I've always believed that we were, each of us, put here for a reason, that there is a plan, somehow a divine plan for all of us. I know now that whatever days are left to me belong to him.
Death is not a blotting-out of existence, a final escape from life; nor is death the door to immortality. He who has fled his Self in earthly joys will not recapture It amidst the gossamer charms of an astral world. There he merely accumulates finer perceptions and more sensitive responses to the beautiful and the good, which are one. It is on the anvil of this gross earth that struggling man must hammer out the imperishable gold of spiritual identity.
Perhaps you're not finished with your story, and who knows if you'll ever finish it or not. Honestly, it's not that important.
Violence is fomented by the imposition of singular and belligerent identities on gullible people, championed by proficient artisans of terror.
One of the great tragedies of mankind is that morality has been hijacked by religion. So now people assume that religion and morality have a necessary connection. But the basis of morality is really very simple and doesn't require religion at all.
Freedom suppressed and again regained bites with keener fangs than freedom never endangered.
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