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.
All those who actually live the mysteries of life haven't the time to write, and all those who have the time don't live them! D'you see?
Nothing has really happened until it has been recorded.
There is an immense, painful longing for a broader, more flexible, fuller, more coherent, more comprehensive account of what we human beings are, who we are and what this life is for.
Wordplay hides a key to reality that the dictionary tries in vain to lock inside every free word.
The pursuit of otherness, the sense that we are somehow different than our brothers and sisters, no matter where we find them, allows for all the other great evils: racism, sexism, homophobia, violence against gay people and against women.
This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues,Was once thought honest.
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