The (method of) correction shall by a turn become distortion, and the good in it shall by a turn become evil.
Interpretation
Moral actions may lead to unintended consequences, turning good into bad.
This quote from Laozi highlights the complexity of moral actions and their outcomes. It suggests that efforts to correct or improve situations can sometimes lead to distortion or unintended negative consequences, emphasizing the need for mindfulness and consideration in our actions.
In practice
In a discussion about ethics and decision-making, this quote can serve as a reminder to consider potential consequences.
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.
Indeed it may be only by risking the incoherence of identity that connection is possible.
I don't care how nice one is to you, the thing you must always remember is that almost never does he really see you as he sees himself, as he sees his own kind.
Everyone, including the Athenians [...] are right to accept advice from anyone, since it is incumbent on everyone to share in that sort of excellence, or else there can be no city at all.
This is true across every single society; we project grossness onto a racial or gender subgroup or caste. A big part of social subordination and discrimination is to ascribe hyper-animality to other groups and use that as an excuse for subordinating them further.
He who understands baboon would do more towards metaphysics than Locke.
Only children believe they're capable of everything.
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