Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.
Interpretation
Prepare for challenges by effectively handling simpler tasks.
Laozi's quote emphasizes the importance of addressing manageable tasks in order to better prepare for more significant challenges that may arise in life. By mastering the easier aspects, one can build a solid foundation that makes confronting difficulties less daunting and more achievable.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles, this quote can illustrate the importance of foundational efforts.
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.
Quietude, which some men cannot abide because it reveals their inward poverty, is as a palace of cedar to the wise, for along its hallowed courts the King in his beauty deigns to walk.
We cannot make events. Our business is wisely to improve them.
Fault always lies in the same place: with him weak enough to lay blame.
Your self-worth is determined by you. You don't have to depend on someone to tell you who you are.
The whole world, from the least to the greatest, must know the truth, so that man may understand the great laws that govern his life. He must learn to control his own destiny, to heal his own body and bring happiness to his own soul.
In old age, you realise that while you're divided from your youth by decades, you can close your eyes and summon it at will. As a writer it puts one at a distinct advantage.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.