That which offers no resistance can enter where there is no space.
Interpretation
Absence of resistance allows for acceptance and integration in situations where openness exists.
This quote by Laozi suggests that when we stop resisting and allow things to flow naturally, we create opportunities for new experiences and ideas to enter our lives. The idea is that by not placing barriers and being open, we can find harmony and understanding in spaces that are traditionally closed off to us due to our own resistance.
In practice
During a team meeting, when discussing challenges, this quote could inspire openness to new ideas.
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.
Even the knowledge of my own fallibility cannot keep me from making mistakes. Only when I fall do I get up again.
A really great man is known by three signs: generosity in the design, humanity in the execution, moderation in success.
IF YOUR OPPONENT strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly.
I wanted to lie hour after hour on a couch, pouring out the dark, secret places of my heart--do this feeling that over my shoulder sat humanity and wisdom and generosity, a munificent heart--do this until that incredibly lovely day when the great man would say to me, his voice grave and dramatic with discovery: "This is you, Exley. Rise and go back into the world a whole man.
The way to get good ideas is to get lots of ideas and throw the bad ones away.
I would not read the proof of one of my books for any fair & reasonable sum whatever, if I could get out of it. The proof-reading on the P & Pauper cost me the last rags of my religion.
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