Giving birth and nourishing, Bearing yet not possessing, Working yet not taking credit, Leading yet not dominating, This is the Primal Virtue.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the virtues of selflessness, humility, and nurturing in leadership and creation.
Laozi emphasizes the importance of performing actions without attachment or desire for recognition. This perspective advocates for a nurturing and supportive approach to life and leadership, where giving and supporting others are valued over seeking personal gain or control.
In practice
In a leadership seminar, this quote can serve as a reminder to leaders about the importance of humility.
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.
Accepting does not necessarily mean liking, enjoying, condoning. I can accept what is-and be determined to evolve from there. It is not acceptance but denial that leaves me stuck.
The children would remember for the rest of their lives the august solemnity with which their father, devastated by his prolonged vigil and by the wraith of his imagination, revealed his discovery to them: 'The world is round, like an orange.
The harder you work, the more confidence you get. But you may be working hard on something that is false.
Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people... or find a different room.
Humility is not denying your strengths, humility is being honest about your weaknesses.
It is so powerful when we can leave behind our ordinary identities, no longer think of ourselves primarily as a conductor, or writer, or salesclerk, and go to a supportive environment to deeply immerse in meditation practice.
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