The sage attends to the belly, and not to what he sees.
Interpretation
True understanding comes from within rather than just relying on external appearances.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the importance of inner wisdom and understanding over superficial perceptions. It suggests that a wise person focuses on fundamental truths and realities, often represented metaphorically as the 'belly', rather than being deceived by what is merely visible or presented on the surface.
In practice
During a lecture on personal growth, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for inner reflection.
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.
Sometimes I get so bold and I'm so confident about what I'm doing that I actually try to be more of a dork because it's a really liberating feeling to experience what it's like to not care.
Virtue is an angel, but she is a blind one, and must ask Knowledge to show her the pathway that leads to her goal.
Be modest in speech, but excel in action.
There is some pleasure even in words, when they bring forgetfulness of present miseries.
If you wou'd be reveng'd of your enemy, govern your self
It's not like I idolize this one guy Machiavelli. I idolize that type of thinking where you do whatever's gonna make you achieve your goal.
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