He (the Sage) does not show off, therefore he shines.
Interpretation
The Sage's humility leads to true brilliance.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the value of humility and the idea that true wisdom and greatness often come from not seeking attention or recognition. A person who is wise does not feel the need to boast or show off their knowledge or abilities; instead, their quiet demeanor allows their true qualities to be recognized and appreciated by others.
In practice
During a team meeting, to encourage team members to share their thoughts without feeling the need to boast.
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.
Do all the other things, the ambitious things - travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes...but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.
Compassionate action starts with seeing yourself when you start to make yourself right and when you start to make yourself wrong. At that point you could just contemplate the fact that there is a larger alternative to either of those, a more tender, shaky kind of place where you could live.
Dream tonight of peacock tails, Diamond fields and spouter whales. Ills are many, blessing few, But dreams tonight will shelter you.
The only superstition I have is that I must start a new book on the same day that I finish the last one, even if it's just a few notes in a file. I dread not having work in progress.
Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind - listen to the birds. And don't hate nobody.
Indeed, I would venture to guess that Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman.
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