Those who praise victory relish manslaughter. Those who relish manslaughter cannot reach their goals in the world.
Interpretation
Victory should not come at the cost of violence, as it leads away from true achievement.
In this quote, Laozi conveys a profound philosophical message about the nature of victory and the consequences of violence. He suggests that those who celebrate victory through violent means are ultimately unable to achieve genuine success in the world, as their actions are rooted in destructiveness rather than constructive efforts. This perspective invites reflection on the values and ethics associated with our pursuits and the importance of peaceful methods in attaining our goals.
In practice
In a discussion about ethics in competitive sports, this quote can illustrate the importance of fair play over aggressive tactics.
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.
God created hand, head, and heart; the hand for the deed, the head for the world, the heart for mysticism.
Very few established institutions, governments and constitutions ...are ever destroyed by their enemies until they have been corrupted and weakened by their friends.
I were better to be eaten to death with a rust than to be scoured to nothing with perpetual motion.
Justice is the first virtue of social institutions.
Only death reveals what a nothing the body of man is.
The most excellent of those who perform good deeds are those who most often remember God in all situations.
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