First and last follow each other.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that beginnings and endings are intrinsically linked, highlighting the cyclical nature of life.
Laozi's quote, 'First and last follow each other,' emphasizes the interconnectedness of beginnings and endings in life's journey. It reflects the idea that every beginning has an inevitable ending, and every ending paves the way for new beginnings. This cyclical perspective encourages us to embrace change and continuity, reminding us that life is a series of transitions where one phase seamlessly leads into another.
In practice
In a motivational speech about embracing change, one might say this quote to illustrate the importance of viewing life transitions positively.
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.
The difficulty is to try and teach the multitude that something can be true and untrue at the same time.
But we know that freedom cannot be served by the devices of the tyrant. As it is an ancient truth that freedom cannot be legislated into existence, so it is no less obvious that freedom cannot be censored into existence. And any who act as if freedoms defenses are to be found in suppression and suspicion and fear confess a doctrine that is alien to America.
We need to realize that poverty doesn't only consist of being hungry for bread, but rather it is a tremendous hunger for human dignity. We need to love and to be someone for someone else
Independence-is loyalty to one's best self and principles, and this is often disloyalty to the general idols and fetishes.
The human mind delights in finding patternβso much so that we often mistake coincidence or forced analogy for profound meaning. No other habit of thought lies so deeply within the soul of a small creature trying to make sense of a complex world not constructed for it.
He who learns death unlearns slavery.
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