The one who is filled by virtue is like a newborn baby.
Interpretation
A virtuous person embodies purity and simplicity, akin to the innocence of a newborn.
This quote by Laozi suggests that a person who possesses virtue is characterized by a state of purity and simplicity, much like a newborn baby. Just as infants are free from the complexities and corruptions of the world, a virtuous individual retains a sense of innocence and clarity in their character, allowing them to navigate life with genuine authenticity and moral integrity.
In practice
During a speech about moral character, one might say, 'As Laozi said, the one who is filled by virtue is like a newborn baby, reminding us of the importance of purity in our intentions.'
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.
Admiration of great men, living or dead, naturally evokes imitation of them in a greater or less degree.
It is better then, to save the work while it is begun. You have done the labor; maintain it - keep it. If men choose to serve you, go with them; but as you have made up your organization upon principle, stand by it; for as surely as God reigns over you, and has inspired your mind, and given you a sense of propriety, and continues to give you hope, so surely will you still cling to these ideas, and you will at last come back after your wanderings, merely to do your work over again.
To rush into explanations is always a sign of weakness.
Ideals are like the stars: we never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them.
We think of prayer as a preparation for work, or a calm after having done work, whereas prayer is the essential work.
Any man whose errors take ten years to correct is quite a man.
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