The sage is not ill, because he sees illness as illness.
Interpretation
The sage understands the nature of illness, which helps him maintain peace of mind.
In this quote, Laozi suggests that a wise person perceives illness not as a negative affliction but as a natural aspect of life. This understanding allows the sage to remain unaffected by the suffering that typically accompanies illness, highlighting the importance of perspective and acceptance in achieving tranquility.
In practice
In a lecture on emotional resilience, a speaker might quote Laozi to illustrate how understanding our challenges can ease our suffering.
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 thought my fire was out, and stirred the ashesβ¦. I burnt my fingers.
If you're unhappy with what you've had over the last 50 years, you have an unfortunate misappraisal of life. It's as good as it gets, and it's very likely to get worse.
Write about the truth. If you write about the truth, somebody's living that. Not just somebody, there's a lot of people.
And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.
When you are willing to stop looking for something in thought, you find everything in silence.
Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
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