The things that have acquired unity are these: Heaven by unity has become clear; Earth by unity has become steady; The Spirit by unity has become spiritual; The Valley by unity has become full; All things by unity have come into existence.
Interpretation
Unity is the essential principle that brings clarity and stability to all aspects of existence.
This quote by Laozi highlights the fundamental role of unity in shaping the world around us. It suggests that the coherence and interconnectedness of everything—from heaven and earth to spirit and nature—are what allow them to exist and flourish. Unity is portrayed as a transformative force that clarifies, stabilizes, and enhances life in all its forms.
In practice
In a team meeting, to emphasize the importance of collaboration, one could quote Laozi's view on unity.
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.
Temptation is an irresistible force at work on a movable body.
This whole thing about reality television to me is really indicative of America saying we're not satisfied just watching television, we want to star in our own TV shows. We want you to discover us and put us in your own TV show, and we want television to be about us, finally.
When a solipsist dies ... everything goes with him.
In some way impossible to ascertain, after so many years of absense, Jose Arcadio was still an autumnal child, terribly sad and solitary.
A developed country is one that allows all its citizens to enjoy a free and healthy life in a safe environment
Chaos is what we've lost touch with. This is why it is given a bad name. It is feared by the dominant archetype of our world, which is Ego, which clenches because its existence is defined in terms of control.
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