I am good to people who are good. I am also good to people who are not good. Because Virtue is goodness.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining virtue regardless of how others behave.
Laozi's quote reflects a profound understanding of moral integrity and virtue, suggesting that one's goodness should not be contingent upon the behavior of others. By extending kindness and goodness to everyone, including those who may not reciprocate, we uphold a higher standard of virtue that can inspire change and promote peace in our interactions.
In practice
In a discussion about ethics, I might say, 'As Laozi wisely stated, I am good to people who are good and those who are not.'
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.
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Rule your mind with serenity rather than with force and manipulation.
I think most people live in fiction...That's how you keep your fragile body intact.
Evolution is a light illuminating all facts, a curve that all lines must follow.
And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people as one of many hoops that made one circle.
Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better. Interweave all these communities and you really have an America that is back on its feet again. I really think we are gonna have to reassess what constitutes a 'hero'.
We never look at just one thing; we are always looking at the relation between things and ourselves.
A person never knows their own true face. Everybody thinks that the phoney, posed social mask they wear is their real face.
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