Therefore: In dwelling, choose modest quarters, in thinking, value stillness, in dealing with others, be kind, in choosing words, be sincere, in leading, be just, in working, be competent, in acting, choose the correct timing. Follow these words and there will be no error.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of humility, mindfulness, kindness, sincerity, fairness, competence, and timing in various aspects of life.
Laozi's quote encourages individuals to approach different areas of life with humility, calmness, and sincerity. It highlights that by choosing modesty in living spaces, valuing stillness in thought, practicing kindness in interactions, being sincere in communication, maintaining justice in leadership, striving for competence in work, and acting at the right moment, one can navigate life successfully and avoid potential errors or pitfalls.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a leadership workshop to emphasize the qualities of a good leader.
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.
Whenever and wherever one encounters the arising and passing away of the mental-physical structure, one enjoys bliss and delight, which lead on to the deathless stage experienced by the wise
I think teaching a man to hate himself is much more criminal than teaching a man to hate someone else.
[T]he values to which people cling most stubbornly under inappropriate conditions are those values that were previously the source of their greatest triumphs.
Things always become obvious after the fact
There is no single right answer or path forward, but there is one right way to frame the problem.
When we renounce our dreams, we find peace and enjoy a brief period of tranquillity, but the dead dreams begin to rot inside us and to infect the whole atmosphere in which we live. What we hoped to avoid in the Fight -disappointment and defeat- become the sole legacy of our cowardice.
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