Thus it is that "Some things are increased by being diminished, others are diminished by being increased." What others have taught, I also teach; verily, I will make it the root of my teaching.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that some qualities or values grow stronger when they are restrained, while others weaken when they are exaggerated.
Laozi's quote reflects a profound philosophical insight into the nature of balance and moderation. It emphasizes that certain virtues or concepts, such as humility and simplicity, can be enhanced through restraint, while excess or overindulgence can lead to a loss of those very qualities. This teaching underlines the importance of understanding the context and nature of things to cultivate a harmonious existence.
In practice
In a speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of moderation.
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.
Jiva (individual soul) is the conscious ruler of this body, in whom the five life principles come into unity, and yet that very Jiva is the Atman, because all is Atman.
Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love andcompassion would have built the defenses of peace.
We live in a culture that discourages empathy. A culture that too often tells us our principle goal in life is to be rich, thin, young, famous, safe, and entertained.
What is all our histories, but God showing himself, shaking and trampling on everything that he has not planted.
Men of the world who value the Way all turn to books. But books are nothing more than words. Words have value; what is of value in words is meaning. Meaning has something it is pursuing, but the thing that it is pursuing cannot be put into words and handed down. The world values words and hands down books but, though the world values them, I do not think them worth valuing. What the world takes to be values is not real value.
Ethical axioms are found and tested not very differently from the axioms of science. Truth is what stands the test of experience.
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