When people do not dread authorities, then a greater dread descends.
Interpretation
The quote warns that the absence of fear towards authority can lead to a more significant fear arising from other sources.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the idea that when individuals stop fearing those in power, it opens the door to a more profound sense of dread that can emerge from chaos or lack of order. It's a reflection on the human condition and the balance between authority and the potential for disorder when that authority is no longer respected or feared.
In practice
In a discussion about political power and its implications, one might quote Laozi to illustrate the consequences of losing respect for authority.
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.
Life on board a pleasure steamer violates every moral and physical condition of healthy life except fresh air. . . . It is a guzzling, lounging, gambling, dog's life. The only alternative to excitement is irritability.
Since I have difficulty defining merit and what merit alone means - and in any context, whether it's judicial or otherwise - I accept that different experiences in and of itself, bring merit to the system.
Politeness of the mind is to have delicate thoughts
Unless you really understand others, you can hardly attain your own self-understanding.
There are forces in nature called Love and Hate. The force of Love causes elements to be attracted to each other and to be built up into some particular form or person, and the force of Hate causes the decomposition of things.
...the case for individual freedom rests largely on the recognition of the inevitable and universal ignorance of all of us concerning a great many of the factors on which the achievements of our ends and welfare depend.
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