They can see their neighbors. Roosters and dogs can be heard from there. Still, they will age and die without visiting one another.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the isolation that people can experience despite being physically close to others.
Laozi's quote emphasizes the emotional distance that can exist in relationships, even when people live near each other. It suggests that mere proximity does not guarantee connection or understanding, and that without effort to engage and visit one another, individuals may lead lonely lives, aging and passing away without meaningful interactions.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of community engagement.
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.
When it comes time to settle down, find someone who wants an equal partner. Someone who thinks women should be smart, opinionated, and ambitious.
The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent.
A little more than kin, and less than kind.
Some feel lonely because they haven't found that perfect 'companion' yet. Sometimes Allah sends everyone else away so you can find that only in Him.
I flew into a small airport surrounded by cornfields and pastures, ready to carry out the two commands my father had written out for me the night before I left Calcutta: Spend two years studying creative writing at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, then come back home and marry the bridegroom he selected for me from our caste and class.
Male dominance in society always means that out of public sight, in the private, ahistorical world of men with women, men are sexually dominating women.
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