When superior people hear of the Way, they carry it out with diligence. When middling people hear of the Way, it sometimes seems to be there, sometimes not. When lesser people hear of the Way, they ridicule it greatly. If they didn't laugh at it, it wouldn't be the Way.
Interpretation
People's responses to wisdom or truth vary based on their character.
This quote by Laozi highlights the differing reactions to profound wisdom or the 'Way' among individuals of varying levels of understanding. Superior individuals embrace and diligently follow the Way, while those of middling understanding may be inconsistent in their acceptance, and lesser individuals mock it, indicating a lack of depth in comprehension. The ridicule may even be a sign that the Way is indeed something significant and worthy of pursuit, as growth often eludes those who do not seek it seriously.
In practice
During a motivational talk, one might reference this quote to explain how different people embrace or reject ideas.
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.
After all, if freedom of speech means anything, it means a willingness to stand and let people say things with which we disagree, and which do weary us considerably.
Though both are bound in the spiral dance, I would rather be a cyborg than a goddess.
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.
there is no shortage of fault to be found amid our stars
I make up my opinions from facts and reasoning, and not to suit any body but myself. If people don't like my opinions, it makes little difference as I don't solicit their opinions or votes.
There will never cease to be ferment in the world unless people are sure of their food.
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