When the emperor is crowned or the three dukes are appointed, rather than sending a gift of jade carried by four horses, remain still and offer the Way.
Interpretation
Instead of material gifts, prioritize the offering of wisdom and guidance.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the importance of spiritual and philosophical riches over material wealth. In moments of great honor and celebration, offering wisdom or the 'Way' represents a deeper, more meaningful contribution to one's community and relationships than any physical gift could provide.
In practice
During a graduation speech to emphasize the value of wisdom over material success.
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.
On neither the sun, nor death, can a man look fixedly.
Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?
We only dream of images we already have inside of us.
God has given us two hands - one to receive with and the other to give with. We are cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing. If we fail to fulfill this divine duty and privilege we have missed the meaning of Christianity.
The dead...are more real than the living because they are complete.
The Charter of the United Nations expresses the noblest aspirations of man: abjuration of force in the settlement of disputes between states; the assurance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion; the safeguarding of international peace and security.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.