Weapons are ominous tools. They are not the noble ruler's tools. He only uses them when he can't avoid it.
Interpretation
Weapons should only be used as a last resort, not as instruments of power.
In this quote, Laozi emphasizes the idea that weapons are inherently dangerous and not suitable for a noble leader's toolkit. A true leader resorts to the use of weapons only when absolutely necessary, portraying a preference for peace and diplomacy over violence and conflict. It serves as a reminder of the heavy responsibility that comes with power and the moral implications of using force.
In practice
In a speech on peacekeeping, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of diplomacy.
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.
It is proper to ask for sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, tears and deep grief because of the great affliction Christ endures for me.
The concept of God in Jewish orthodoxy is one where you're having constant quarrels with God. Where I come from, in Islam, the only concept of God is you submit to Him and you obey His commands; no quarreling allowed.
There are many things akin to highest deity that are still obscure. Some may be too subtle for our powers of comprehension, others imperceptible to us because such exalted majesty conceals itself in the holiest part of its sanctuary, forbidding access to any power save that of the spirit. How many heavenly bodies revolve unseen by human eye!
Trade is the best cure for prejudice.
It is only in appearance that time is a river. It is rather a vast landscape and it is the eye of the beholder that moves.
The greatest obstacle in the apostolate of the Church is the timidity or rather the cowardice of the faithful.
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