The world is a sacred vessel. It should not be meddled with. It should not be owned. If you try to meddle with it you will ruin it. If you try to own it you will lose it
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of respecting the world and its natural order instead of trying to control or possess it.
Laozi's quote suggests that the world is a precious entity that should be treated with reverence. Meddling with or attempting to possess nature disrupts its balance and leads to detrimental consequences. Instead of viewing the world as something to control, we should appreciate it for its inherent value and allow it to exist in its natural state.
In practice
In a conversation about environmental conservation, this quote can highlight the need for responsible stewardship of the earth.
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 tell you the groans of the damned in hell are the deep bass of the universal anthem of praise that shall ascend to the throne of my God for ever and ever.
But it has often happened that I have found the most seductive depictions of sin in the pages of those very men of incorruptible virtue who condemned their spell and their effects.
I see tremendous imbalance in the world. A very uneven playing field, which has gotten tilted very badly. I consider it unstable. At the same time, I don't exactly see what is going to reverse it.
There is a gulf fixed between those who can sleep and those who cannot. It is one of the greatest divisions of the human race.
Speak the truth do not become angered and give when asked, even be it a little. By these three conditions one goes to the presence of the gods.
The apology, that is constantly put forth for the injustice of government, viz., that a man must consent to give up some of his rights, in order to have his other rights protected - involves a palpable absurdity, both legally and politically.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.