He who hoards much loses much.
Interpretation
Hoarding can lead to the loss of greater value, such as relationships and experiences.
This quote by Laozi teaches that accumulating excessive wealth or possessions can detract from what truly matters in life. By focusing on material hoarding, one might miss out on the joy of sharing, relationships, and personal fulfillment, ultimately leading to a sense of loss that outweighs any perceived gain.
In practice
In a discussion about materialism, you can use this quote to illustrate the dangers of excessive accumulation.
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.
To let the brain work without sufficient material is like racing an engine. It racks itself to pieces.
I sometimes still go out hunting for bad weather, flying low in simple airplanes to explore the inner reaches of the clouds. Less experienced pilots occasionally join me, not to learn formal lessons about weather flying, but with a more advanced purpose in mind - to accompany me in the slow accumulation of experience through circumstances that never repeat in a place that defies mastery.
Unlucky people miss chance opportunities because they are too focused on looking for something else. They go to parties intent on finding their perfect partner and so miss opportunities to make good friends. They look through newspapers determined to find certain types of job advertisements and as a result miss other types of jobs. Lucky people are more relaxed and open, and therefore see what is there rather than just what they are looking for.
I've learnt something from every failure. The products I helped design at the first two companies I worked for were utter failures. But now I know why.
Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and broken promises.
Only when a tree has fallen can you take the measure of it. It is the same with a man.
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