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.
What you do for yourself, any gesture of kindness, any gesture of gentleness, any gesture of honesty and clear seeing toward yourself, will affect how you experience your world. In fact, it will transform how you experience the world. What you do for yourself, youβre doing for others, and what you do for others, youβre doing for yourself.
The Book of Proverbs deals very hard blows against sluggards, and Christian ministers do well frequently to denounce the great sin of idleness, which is the mother of a huge family of sins.
There's no reason to be the richest man in the cemetery. You can't do any business from there.
Each of you is perfect the way you are ... and you can use a little improvement.
There are as many opinions as there are experts.
It is a far worthier thing to read by the light of experience than to adorn oneself with the labors of others.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.