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.
Interpretation
Understanding human nature is complex, requiring deep observation and attention to subtle details.
This quote emphasizes the challenge of comprehending human nature, which is often concealed beneath surface behaviors. It suggests that true wisdom comes from observing subtle cues and listening intently, which aligns one's internal understanding with the external world and fosters a deeper harmony in relationships and interactions.
In practice
In a leadership workshop, to illustrate the complexity of understanding team dynamics.
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.
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.
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!
The English are predisposed to pride, the French to vanity.
The being without an opinion is so painful to human nature that most people will leap to a hasty opinion rather than undergo it.
For the good, when praised, feel something of disgust, if to excess commended.
Do not commit spiritual suicide through a passion for discussing metaphysical subtleties.
...My point is, I went crazy. When I saw what a black, awful joke the world was. I went crazy as a coot! I admit it! Why can't you?
All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand! Oh, oh, oh!
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