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.
With every failure, every crisis, every difficult time, I say - What is this here to teach me? And as soon as you get the lesson, you get to move on. If you really get the lesson, you pass and you don't have to repeat the class. _x000D_ _x000D_ My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.
The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good. Understanding is joyous.
The first and the best victory is to conquer self.
Indifference is harder to fight than hostility, and there is nothing that kills an agitation like having everybody admit that it is fundamentally right.
Maybe a thing that you do not like is really in your interest. It is possible that a thing that you may desire may be against your interest.
I think I'm in the same mood as ever, but in some ways more mature. I guess you could say that, at 65, when you've seen the world shape up as I have, there are only two things you can do: laugh or kill yourself.
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