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.
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.
Even the disciples of Jesus all fled from their master's cross. Christians who do not have the feeling that they must flee the crucified Christ have probably not yet understood him in a sufficiently radical way.
One of the quainter quirks of life is that we shall never know who dies on the dame day as we do ourselves.
What would life be like if everybody insisted you must have actually built such-and-such a thing by yourself? I'd be an old man and have nothing to show for the aging.
Everything that is beautiful and noble is the product of reason and calculation.
Are you then unable to recognize unless it has the same sound as yours?
Traditional charity and aid are never going to solve the problems of poverty.
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