He who is able to conquer others is powerful; he who is able to conquer himself is more powerful.
Interpretation
True power lies in self-mastery rather than external conquest.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the distinction between external dominance and internal control. While conquering others may seem powerful, the ability to master oneself β including oneβs emotions, desires, and instincts β reflects a deeper and more significant strength.
In practice
During a leadership seminar to illustrate the importance of self-control.
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.
Perfection does not come from belief or faith. Talk does not count for anything. Parrots can do that. Perfection comes through the disinterested performance of action.
What is grand is necessarily obscure to weak men. That which can be made explicit to the idiot is not worth my care.
We must not confuse humility with false modesty or servility.
All goals apart from the means are illusions; becoming is a denial of being.
Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the danger of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of "crackpot" than the stigma of conformity.
You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself.
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