Your name or your body, what is dearer? Your body or your wealth, what is worthier?
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the intrinsic value of one's identity and physical existence over material wealth.
Laozi's quote invites us to reflect on the importance of our true essence compared to our possessions and physical attributes. It suggests that our name, which symbolizes our identity, and our body, which houses our spirit, hold greater significance than wealth, prompting us to prioritize our true self over material pursuits.
In practice
In a discussion about priorities in life, you might quote Laozi to highlight the importance of self over material goods.
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.
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It's just what people do when they're getting old, when they're sick of themselves and their life; they think of money and take care of themselves.
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They stormed and jeered at one another in long meaningless words of about twenty syllables each.
He who does not at some time, with definite determination consent to the terribleness of life, or even exalt in it, never takes possession of the inexpressible fullness of the power of our existence.
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