One's own self or material goods, which has more worth?_x000D_ _x000D_ Loss (of self) or possession (of goods), which is the greater evil?_x000D_ _x000D_ He who loves most, spends most,_x000D_ _x000D_ He who hoards much loses much
Interpretation
This quote contrasts the value of self-worth with material possessions and suggests that love and generosity are key to true wealth.
Laozi presents a profound reflection on what constitutes true value in life. He challenges the reader to consider whether our identity and self-worth are more significant than the material possessions we accumulate. The quote implies that the act of loving deeply and giving generously amplifies our essence, while hoarding possessions ultimately leads to emptiness. Thus, true richness comes from love rather than material wealth.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of community, one might reference this quote to emphasize the value of giving over receiving.
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.
It is, perhaps, one of the hardest struggles of the Christian life to learn this sentence-- "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name be glory."
I have often asked myself whether, given the choice, I would choose to have manic-depressive illness. If lithium were not available to me, or didn't work for me, the answer would be a simple no... and it would be an answer laced with terror. But lithium does work for me, and therefore I can afford to pose the question. Strangely enough, I think I would choose to have it. It's complicated.
I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
We should also leave behind discrimination, because it is narrow-minded and ignorant, denies contact and warmth; and corrodes mankind's belief that we can better ourselves. The only way to avoid misunderstanding, war and bloodshed is to defend freedom of expression and to communicate with sincerity, concern and good intentions.
Far from being the father of jihad, [Prophet] Mohammad was a peacemaker, who risked his life and nearly lost the loyalty of his closest companions because he was determined to effect a reconciliation with Mecca
Indeed, there is nothing more arbitrary than intervening as a stranger in a destiny which is not ours.
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