Not knowing of the eternal leads to unfortunate errors.
Interpretation
Understanding the eternal truths can prevent mistakes in life.
Laozi suggests that a lack of awareness or knowledge about eternal truths and the deeper nature of existence can lead individuals to make poor choices. It implies that wisdom and understanding of the fundamental aspects of life are essential for making sound decisions and avoiding errors in judgment.
In practice
In a lecture on personal development, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of seeking deeper knowledge.
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.
My description of wisdom has nothing to do with benevolence and righteousness, it is to do with being wise in one's own virtue, nothing more. My description of being has nothing to do with benevolence and righteousness, it is that one should be led by one's innate nature, nothing more.
Genuine forgiveness does not deny anger but faces it head-on.
Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.
Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight For the greatest tragedy of them all Is never to feel the burning light.
The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.
Our wise old church...has discovered that if you will act as if you believed belief will be given to you; if you pray with doubt, but pray with sincerity, your doubt will be dispelled; if you will surrender yourself to the beauty of that liturgy the power of which over the human spirit has been proved by the experience of the ages, peace will descend upon you.
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