The great Way is easy, yet people prefer the side paths. Be aware when things are out of balance. Stay centered within the Tao. When rich speculators prosper While farmers lose their land; when government officials spend money on weapons instead of cures; when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible while the poor have nowhere to turn- all this is robbery and chaos. It is not in keeping with the Tao.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of following a balanced and harmonious path in life, aligning with the principles of the Tao.
Laozi suggests that the true path to a fulfilling life is straightforward and simple, yet many people go astray by choosing more complicated or misguided routes. He criticizes societal imbalances, such as wealth disparity and the misallocation of resources, urging individuals to remain centered and true to the Tao to achieve harmony and well-being.
In practice
In a discussion about environmental sustainability, one might say, 'As Laozi reminds us, the great Way is easy, but we must stay centered within the Tao to protect our planet.'
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.
We are not rich by what we possess but by what we can do without.
Identity is a prison you can never escape, but the way to redeem your past is not to run from it, but to try to understand it, and use it as a foundation to grow.
The attempt to remove evil from the world by killing a thousand evil - doers, only adds to the evil in the world.
The roulette table pays nobody except him that keeps it. Nevertheless a passion for gaming is common, though a passion for keeping roulette tables is unknown.
A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips of his life, will have left only the hard, clean question: Was it good or was it evil? Have I done well - or ill?
People to whom sin is just a matter of words, to them salvation is just words too.
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