Act without doing; work without effort. Think of the small as large and the few as many. Confront the difficult while it is still easy; accomplish the great task by a series of small acts. The Master never reaches for the great; thus she achieves greatness. When she runs into a difficulty, she stops and gives herself to it. She doesn't cling to her own comfort; thus problems are no problem for her.
Interpretation
Focus on small actions to achieve greatness without excessive effort.
This quote from Laozi emphasizes the importance of approaching tasks with a sense of ease and fluidity. It suggests that true mastery comes from recognizing the significance of small actions and facing challenges calmly, instead of becoming overwhelmed by them. By detaching from the need for constant struggle or clinging to comfort, one can navigate difficulties more effectively and reach greater heights without unnecessary strain.
In practice
This quote can be used to inspire a team tackling a large project by reminding them of the importance of incremental progress.
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.
The fool wonders, the wise man asks.
In the search [of a deal], we adopt the same attitude one might find appropriate in looking for a spouse: It pays to be active, interested, and open-minded, but it does not pay to be in a hurry.
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
Having compassion starts and ends with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.
Blessed is the man, who having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.
Presumption should never make us neglect that which appears easy to us, nor despair make us lose courage at the sight of difficulties.
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