To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.
Interpretation
The quote warns against the dangers of valuing power through violence and the moral consequences that arise from such desires.
Laozi's quote emphasizes the philosophical belief that a person who finds joy in causing harm to others, specifically in the pursuit of power or control, is ultimately unfit for meaningful leadership. It suggests that true authority and respect cannot be won through brutality, as delighting in violence reflects a deeper moral failing and disconnect from the essence of governance and society.
In practice
In a debate about ethics in leadership, one might quote Laozi to highlight the importance of moral integrity.
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.
When Southern people tell us they are no more responsible for the origin of slavery than we are, I acknowledge the fact. When it is said that the institution exists, and that it is very difficult to get rid of it in any satisfactory way, I can understand and appreciate the saying.
For a man's house is his castle, et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium [and one's home is the safest refuge to everyone].
Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love.
There is a special sadness in achievement, in the knowledge that a long-desired goal has been attained at last, and that life must now be shaped toward new ends.
A consciousness of wrongdoing is the first step to salvation...you have to catch yourself doing it before you can correct it.
The baby looks at things all day without winking; that is because his eyes are not focused on any particular object. He goes without knowing where he is going, and stops without knowing what he is doing. He merges himself within the surroundings and moves along with it. These are the principles of mental hygiene.
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