Abandon cleverness, discard profit, and thieves and robbers will disappear.
Interpretation
The quote advocates for simplicity and integrity over cunning and greed.
Laozi emphasizes the importance of virtue and straightforwardness in life. By letting go of clever schemes and the pursuit of profit, one can create an environment free from deceit and wrongdoing, suggesting that a more honest and humble approach leads to a harmonious society.
In practice
During a leadership seminar, a speaker might use this quote to advocate for ethical business practices.
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 fully intend to preach the word of God to you until there's a difference between how you walk out of here and how you walked in here.
If you spend your life trying to please people or letting them control you, you may make them happy, but you'll miss your destiny.
On this path let the heart be your guide.
Learn to say, βI donβt know the answer.β It could be the beginning of a very good dayβs rehearsal.
The wisdom of the appearance of the spirit in the body is this: the human spirit is a Divine Trust, and it must traverse all conditions, for its passage and movement through the conditions of existence will be the means of its acquiring perfections.
But Chinese civilization has the overpowering beauty of the wholly other, and only the wholly other can inspire the deepest love and the profoundest desire to learn.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.