Because he (the Sage) opposes no one, no one in the world can oppose him.
Interpretation
The wise person does not engage in conflict, which leads to a peaceful existence and avoids opposition.
This quote by Laozi illustrates the power of non-resistance and acceptance in life. It suggests that a person who does not oppose others or engage in conflict creates an atmosphere where others cannot oppose them, leading to harmony and strength through passive resilience.
In practice
In a discussion about conflict resolution, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of non-resistance.
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.
How we think about the world and - perhaps even more importantly - how we narrate it have a massive significance, therefore, a thing that happens and is not told ceases to exist and perishes.
I would like the church to be a place where the questions of people are honored rather than a place where we have all the answers. The church has to get out of propaganda. The future will involve us in more interfaith dialogue. ... We cannot say we have the only truth.
Bent out of shape from society's pliers, cares not to come up any higher, but rather get you down in the hole that he's in.
Trials should not surprise us, or cause us to doubt God's faithfulness. Rather, we should actually be glad for them. God sends trials to strengthen our trust in him so that our faith will not fail. Our trials keep us trusting; they burn away our self confidence and drive us to our Savior.
The important thing isn't the house. It's the ability to make it. You carry that in your brains and in your hands, wherever you go... It's one thing to carry your life wherever you go. Another thing to always go looking for it somewhere else.
I'd finally come to understand what it had been: a yearning for a way out, when actually what I had wanted to find was a way in.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.