When the Way governs the world, the proud stallions drag dung carriages. When the Way is lost to the world, war horses are bred outside the city.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the balance of order and chaos in society and how leadership impacts the behavior of individuals.
Laozi's quote highlights the consequences of societal values and governance. When a society adheres to the 'Way' or natural order, its citizens are humble and perform necessary work, even if it seems menial, like proud stallions pulling dung carriages. In contrast, when this order is lost, society turns to conflict and strife, as indicated by breeding war horses, symbolizing the need for power and aggression in absence of harmony.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a speech on leadership values during a corporate seminar.
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.
I shall not want Honor in Heaven For I shall meet Sir Philip Sidney And have talk with Coriolanus And other heroes of that kidney.
The natural tendency of representative government, as of modern civilisation, is towards collective mediocrity: and this tendency is increased by all reductions and extensions of the franchise, their effect being to place the principal power in the hands of classes more and more below the highest level of instruction in the community.
One could not pluck a flower without troubling a star.
There is a spiritual side to me that goes real deep, but I confess right up front that I'm the biggest sinner of them all.
As society becomes more complex and opaque, as social processes seem more impersonal and autonomous, and as elites of 'experts' become more annoying, more people are tempted to think that some 'they' is manipulating 'us', using, among other dark arts, advertising.
Truly there is a tide in the affairs of men; but there is no gulf-stream setting forever in one direction.
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