The Great Vessel takes long to complete.
Interpretation
Great undertakings require time and patience to be fully realized.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving significant goals. Just like a large ship that takes a long time to finish, meaningful accomplishments often require sustained effort and time, reminding us that worthwhile outcomes cannot be rushed and are worth the investment of our time and energy.
In practice
In a motivational speech about pursuing long-term goals.
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.
Human knowledge and skills alone cannot lead humanity to a happy and dignified life. Humanity has every reason to place the proclaimers of high moral standards and values above the discoverers of objective truth.
A teacher of fear can't bring peace on earth. We have been trying to do it that way for thousands of years. The person who turns inner violence around, the person who finds peace inside and lives it, is the one who teaches what true peace is. We are waiting for just one teacher. You're the one.
They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little.
The more generous we are, the more joyous we become. The more cooperative we are, the more valuable we become. The more enthusiastic we are, the more productive we become. The more serving we are, the more prosperous we become.
You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul.
Irrigators channel waters; fletchers straighten arrows; carpenters bend wood; the wise master themselves.
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