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.
Wine gives strength to weary men.
Discover your divinity, find your unique talent, serve humanity with it.
The mind is like a richly woven tapestry in which the colors are distilled from the experiences of the senses, and the design drawn from the convolutions of the intellect.
If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately.
Periods of tranquillity are seldom prolific of creative achievement. Mankind has to be stirred up.
If you're interested in opening the doors to the heavens, start with the door to your own secret self. See what happens when you offer to another a glimpse of who you truly are. When your heart is undefended, you make it safe for whomever you meet to put down his burden of hiding, and then you both can walk through the open door.
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