Man, when living, is soft and tender; when dead, he is hard and tough. All animals and plants when living are tender and delicate; when dead they become withered and dry. Therefore it is said: the hard and tough are parts of death; the soft and tender are parts of life.
Interpretation
Life is characterized by softness and tenderness, while death represents hardness and toughness.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the contrasting nature of life and death, depicting life as a state of softness and tenderness, reminiscent of the vitality found in living beings. Conversely, death is associated with hardness and desiccation, suggesting that the essence of life is marked by fragility and gentleness, while death brings about a stark and unyielding reality.
In practice
During a speech about the transient nature of life, this quote can illustrate the beauty of living.
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.
I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
I'm pretty, but not beautiful. _x000D_ I sin, but I'm not the devil. _x000D_ I'm good, but I'm not an angel.
There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will.
It would be curious to discover who it is to whom one writes in a diary. Possibly to some mysterious personification of one's own identity.
Through Gandhi and my own life experience, I have learned about nonviolence. I believe that human life is a very special gift from God, and that no one has a right to take that away in any cause, however just. I am convinced that nonviolence is more powerful than violence.
For always in her there was a dark place full of despair and a great dividing force to make meaning because there was none.
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