Never take over the world to tamper with it. Those who want to tamper with it are not fit to take over the world.
Interpretation
The quote warns against the irresponsible use of power and the potential dangers of those who seek control.
Laozi emphasizes the importance of wisdom and humility over ambition and authority. Those who have the desire to exert control over the world often lack the moral integrity and understanding necessary to do so responsibly, suggesting that true leadership requires a respect for the world and its inherent complexities.
In practice
In a leadership seminar discussing ethical governance, this quote could resonate with the audience about responsible leadership.
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.
Only in solitude do we find ourselves; and in finding ourselves, we find in ourselves all our brothers in solitude.
The thing I love about Marvel in general is that they deal with people. They deal with the human being first: Who is inside the suit? Who is the person that obtained this power or this ability?
The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.
There's sadness to anyone that dies before their time, and specifically ones that seem to affect people in a positive way. It doesn't matter if it's Whitney Houston or a nameless, faceless person on the street. That's just as big of a tragedy for me.
Having totality means being capable of following "what is," because "what is" is constantly moving and constantly changing. If one is anchored to a particular view, one will not be able to follow the swift movement of "what is.
The old grooves must be erased in your brain, without forming new ones. You must realize yourself as the immovable, behind and beyond the movable, the silent witness of all that happens.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.