If you go searching for the Great Creator, you will come back empty-handed. The source of the universe is ultimately unknowable, a great invisible river flowing forever through a vast and fertile valley. Silent and uncreated, it creates all things.
Interpretation
The essence of the universe is beyond human understanding and perception.
In this quote, Laozi suggests that the true nature of the universe and its source is something that cannot be grasped or comprehended through conventional means. The metaphor of a great invisible river symbolizes the continuous and mysterious flow of existence, highlighting the limits of human inquiry when faced with the profound realities of life and creation.
In practice
In a discussion on spirituality, one might say, 'As Laozi said, if you go searching for the Great Creator, you will come back empty-handed.'
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.
When we really worship anything, we love not only its clearness but its obscurity. We exult in its very invisibility.
A force as of madness in the hands of reason has done all that was ever done in the world.
Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember...I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter... After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great.
In the past, men created witches: now they create mental patients.
Heaven doesn't make this life less important; it makes it more important.
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
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