The sage attends to the belly, and not to what he sees.
Interpretation
True understanding comes from within rather than just relying on external appearances.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the importance of inner wisdom and understanding over superficial perceptions. It suggests that a wise person focuses on fundamental truths and realities, often represented metaphorically as the 'belly', rather than being deceived by what is merely visible or presented on the surface.
In practice
During a lecture on personal growth, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for inner reflection.
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.
Somehow, we have to realize that what we watch and what we listen to not only often reflects our most violent tendencies but cultivates more violence.
What is discipline? Discipline means creating an order within you. As you are, you are a chaos.
Remember, we see the world not as it is but as we are. Most of us see through the eyes of our fears and our limiting beliefs and our false assumptions.
If you cry 'forward', you must without fail make plain in what direction to go.
The ultimate test of a man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.
Through therapy and a lot of thinking and writing my memoirs, I've been able to use my life as a lesson.
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