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.
We are the most powerful nation in the world, but we're not the only nation in the world. We are not the only people in the world. We are an important people, the wealthiest, the most powerful and, to a great extent, generous. But we are part of the world.
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other side
My only fear is that I may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me.
There is only one solution if old age is not to be an absurd parody of our former life, and that is to go on pursuing ends that give our existence a meaning.
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
Eventually everything connects - people, ideas, objects. The quality of the connections is the key to quality per se.
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