These possessions of a simpleton being the three I choose and cherish: to care, to be fair, to be humble.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of caring, fairness, and humility as key virtues in life.
In this quote, Laozi highlights three essential qualities that he values above material possessions: caring for others, being fair in dealings, and maintaining humility. These virtues represent a deeper understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life, suggesting that true wealth lies in character and the quality of our interactions with others rather than in material goods or status.
In practice
During a leadership seminar, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of character over position.
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.
If they would teach us from the time we're little to meditate and get in touch with all that our souls know, we wouldn't fight so much.
If a statement is untrue, it is not the more respectable because it has been said in Latin.
Modesty is of no use to a beggar.
It wasnβt in books. It wasnβt in a church. What I needed to know was out there in the world.
Little hinges swing big doors.
When a storm comes, it is the trees that get uprooted. Be as humble as the grass and nothing can touch you.
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