The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.
Interpretation
True wisdom involves selflessness and humility in one's actions.
This quote from Laozi emphasizes the importance of acting with humility and without seeking recognition for one's actions. A wise person focuses on the deeds themselves rather than personal glory, embodying the essence of selflessness and true contribution to the world.
In practice
During a keynote speech on leadership, one might quote Laozi to emphasize the importance of humility in guiding others.
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'm interested in two things. I'm interested in truth and I'm interested in fairness.
To rush into explanations is always a sign of weakness.
Gratitude is a flower that blooms in noble souls.
This is the first lesson ye should learn: There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, it doesn't behoove any of us to speak evil of the rest of us. This is a universal law, and until one begins to make application of same, one may not go very far in spiritual or soul development.
Reckless youth makes rueful age.
The heart breaks and breaks and lives by breaking it is necessary to go through dark and deeper dark and not to turn
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