In ancient times, those who followed the Way did not try to give people knowledge thereof, but kept them ignorant.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that true knowledge is often withheld in order to maintain a natural order and harmony.
Laozi implies that in ancient traditions, those who understood the 'Way' believed that sharing their knowledge too freely could disrupt the simplicity and purity of life. Instead of spreading knowledge for the sake of enlightenment, they chose to maintain a state of ignorance among the masses to preserve a natural balance and prevent chaos.
In practice
In a discussion about education systems, one might quote this to emphasize the value of experiential learning over mere information transfer.
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.
Who are you, Master?' he asked. 'Eh, what?' said Tom sitting up, and his eyes glinting in the gloom. 'Don't you know my name yet? That's the only answer. Tell me, who are you, alone, yourself and nameless?
He who dictates and formulates the words and phrases we use, he who is master of the press and radio, is master of the mind. Repeat mechanically your assumptions and suggestions, diminish the opportunity for communicating dissent and opposition. This is the formula for political conditioning of the masses.
There is Auschwitz, and so there cannot be God.
The only people who live in a post-black world are four people who live in a little white house on Pennsylvania Avenue. The idea that America is post-racial or post-black because a man I admire, Barack Obama, is president of the United States, is a joke. And I hope no one will even wonder about this crazy fiction again.
Pride, envy, avarice - these are the sparks have set on fire the hearts of all men.
No single event can awaken within us a stranger whose existence we had never suspected. To live is to be slowly born.
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