An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the value of action over inaction, regardless of the size or strength of the actor.
Laozi's quote suggests that even the smallest and most seemingly insignificant efforts can lead to greater outcomes than doing nothing, regardless of one's potential or capabilities. It highlights the importance of being proactive and taking initiative, suggesting that consistent effort, even if modest, is more valuable than idleness or mere potential.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage students to take initiative in their studies.
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.
Once you master how your own consciousness operates, anything can be desired and achieved.
Calvin: Know what I pray for? Hobbes: What? Calvin: The strength to change what I can, the inability to accept what I can't, and the incapacity to tell the difference.
He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has.
Meditation, witnessing, silently sitting and looking at the mind, will be of much help. Not forcing, simply sitting and looking. Not doing much, just watching as one watches birds flying in the sky. Just Lying down on the ground and watching, nothing to do, indifferent. Not your concern really, where they are going; they are going on their own.
Gratitude is a nice touch of beauty added last of all to the countenance. Giving a classic beauty, an angelic loveliness, to the character.
Reckless youth makes rueful age.
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