Searching for precious goods leads astray.
Interpretation
Chasing after material wealth can lead one away from true fulfillment.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the idea that the pursuit of material possessions and superficial values can distract individuals from the deeper, more meaningful aspects of life. It warns that the quest for 'precious goods' often leads to a misguided journey, detracting from authentic happiness and fulfillment.
In practice
In a discussion about consumerism, one might say, 'As Laozi pointed out, searching for precious goods leads astray.'
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.
Who tells a finer tale than any of us. Silence does.
Realise this: one day your soul_x000D_ will depart from your body and you will_x000D_ be drawn behind the curtain that floats between us_x000D_ and the unknown. While you wait for that moment, be happy,_x000D_ because you don't know where you came from and_x000D_ you don't know where you will be going.
We don't have the time to completely be ourselves. We only have the room to be happy.
Christian creeds and doctrines, the clergy's own fatal inventions, through all the ages has made of Christendom a slaughterhouse, and divided it into sects of inextinguishable hatred for one another.
Detestation of the high is the involuntary homage of the low.
My loathings are simple. stupidity, oppression, crime, cruelty, soft music. My pleasures are the most intense known to man: writing and butterfly hunting.
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