When the world is ruled according to the Way, the ghosts lose their power. The ghosts do not really lose their power, but it is not used to harm people.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that when society adheres to a natural and ethical way of living, negative influences or harmful forces lose their ability to cause harm.
Laozi's quote reflects on the idea that when governance and social order align with a harmonious and principled way of living, the disruptive and malevolent forces in society, metaphorically referred to as 'ghosts', are rendered ineffective. It speaks to the potential of a well-ordered world to diminish the impact of negativity and malice, suggesting that these negative forces do not truly disappear but rather lose their potency when people live in a manner that respects the natural order. The essence of the quote emphasizes the importance of following a guiding philosophy that promotes peace and harmony.
In practice
During a motivational keynote speech about leadership and ethics.
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.
...by and by a change came: I started to muse about the shape of my nose. I put my trivial surroundings aside and mused more and more about myself, and I found this to be a bewitching occupation. I stopped asking and longed instead to speak of my thoughts and feelings. Alas, there was no one besides myself who found me interesting.
When we think of the ideal, we do not add virtue to virtue, but think of Jesus Christ, so that the standard of human life is no longer a code, but a character.
To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.
[W]e must never allow the future to collapse under the burden of memory.
And out of good still to find means of evil.
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow: In Flanders fields.
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