QuoteProject
In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.
Lao Tzu
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of simplicity, fairness, and presence in various aspects of life.

Lao Tzu's quote encapsulates a holistic approach to living by highlighting key virtues in different areas of life. It suggests that one should remain grounded in their dwelling, approach thoughts with simplicity, handle conflicts with generosity and fairness, govern with a light touch rather than control, pursue work that brings joy, and prioritize being present in family life. This wisdom invites us to embrace these principles for a more fulfilling existence.

Themes

SimplicityFairnessPresenceHappinessFamilyWork

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to encourage mindfulness in family gatherings.

More from Lao Tzu

All things in the world come from being. And being comes from non-being.
Lao TzuRead
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name. The Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth; the Named is the mother of all things.
Lao TzuRead
Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere.
Lao TzuRead
To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.
Lao TzuRead
If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.
Lao TzuRead
The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.
Lao TzuRead

Similar quotes

Quit worrying about how everything is going to turn out. Live one day at a time; better yet, make the most of this moment. It’s good to have a big – picture outlook, to set goals, to establish budgets and make plans, but if you’re always living in the future, you’re never really enjoying the present in the way God wants you to.
Joel OsteenRead
That is the mystery of grace: it never comes too late.
Francois MauriacRead
. . . your history is no less important to your survival than your ability to breathe. In the end, you can only determine whether to saturate your memories with pain or with perspective. Forgetting is not an option. I tell you the truth now: Pain was not God's plan for this life. It is a reality, but it is not a part of the plan.
Ted DekkerRead
Instead of imposing your will on every situation...focus on including everyone else, and just that little adjustment of attitude gives you the space to understand where and who you are.
Wynton MarsalisRead
I have not permitted myself, gentlemen, to conclude that I am the best man in the country; but I am reminded, in this connection, of a story of an old Dutch farmer, who remarked to a companion once that "it was not best to swap horses when crossing streams."
Abraham LincolnRead
Knowledge is essential to conquest; only according to our ignorance are we helpless. Thought creates character. Character can dominate conditions. Will creates circumstances and environment.
Annie BesantRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.