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.
Words are things. You must be careful, careful about calling people out of their names, using racial pejoratives and sexual pejoratives and all that ignorance. Donβt do that. Some day weβll be able to measure the power of words. I think they are things. They get on the walls. They get in your wallpaper. They get in your rugs, in your upholstery, and your clothes, and finally in to you.
Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
Maturity comes not with age but with the acceptance of responsibility. You are only young once but immaturity can last a lifetime!
We learn in our guts, not just in our brain, that a life of joy is not in seeking happiness, but in experiencing and simply being the circumstances of our life as they are; not in fulfilling personal wants, but in fulfilling the needs of life.
If you can't meditate in a boiler room, you can't meditate.
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