Heaven and Earth are not kind. They regard all things as offerings.
Interpretation
Life is indifferent to the struggles of beings; it simply sees them as part of a larger cycle.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the impartial and unresponsive nature of the universe. It suggests that heaven and earth do not show favoritism or kindness, but rather see all beings and their actions as mere offerings within the vast tapestry of existence. This calls for an understanding of life that transcends individual desires, highlighting the idea that one's struggles and experiences are part of the greater phenomena of nature.
In practice
In a discussion about the indifference of fate, this quote can highlight the acceptance of life's challenges.
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.
Woman's degradation is in mans idea of his sexual rights. Our religion, laws, customs, are all founded on the belief that woman was made for man.
The old grooves must be erased in your brain, without forming new ones. You must realize yourself as the immovable, behind and beyond the movable, the silent witness of all that happens.
It is the greatest good to the greatest number of people which is the measure of right and wrong.
All of [the] activities here have a surreptitious end-of-the-world feel to them:... these joggers sleepwalking in the mist like shadow's who have escaped from Plato's cave
Myth is much more important and true than history. History is just journalism and you know how reliable that is.
The Christian - the biblical - concept of mercy toward wrongdoers only exists in relation to justice. Showing mercy, in relation to wrongdoing, means treating someone better than they deserve.
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