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.
Maybe the fear is that we are less than we think we are, when the actuality of it is that we are much much more.
Life whispers to you all the time...from the time you wake up in the morning and with every single experience.
Terrible things happen all of the time, and they can happen in a second. The best thing is to be prepared to react. If you try to control every little thing, you're going to end up miserable - and you're going to fail.
Most people die of a sort of creeping common sense, and discover when it is too late that the only things one never regrets are one's mistakes.
Never ask people about your work.
Wealth and rank are what men desire, but unless they be obtained in the right way they may not be possessed. Poverty and obscurity are what men detest; but unless prosperity be brought about in the right way, they are not to be abandoned.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.