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.
It would be my greatest sadness to see Zionists (Jews) do to Palestinian Arabs much of what Nazis did to Jews.
Once you understand that Goliath is much weaker than you think he is, and David has superior technology, then you say: why do we tell the story the way we do? It becomes, actually, a far more meaningful and important story in its retelling than in the kind of unsophisticated way we've done it for, I think, too long.
What if the counterculture was only a stumbling beginning, rather than the best that could be hoped for?
I believe that men are generally still a little afraid of the dark though the witches are all hung, and Christianity and candles have been introduced.
We often want one thing and pray for another, not telling the truth even to the gods.
Sometimes the biggest disasters aren't noticed at all β no one's around to write horror stories.
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