The sage wears coarse clothes, concealing jade.
Interpretation
True value often lies beneath a humble exterior.
This quote by Laozi suggests that true wisdom and worth are not always apparent. The sage, representing wisdom and depth, may dress simply and appear modest, yet his inner value, symbolized by jade, is precious and profound. This implies that we should look beyond surface appearances to recognize the deeper qualities in people and situations.
In practice
In a discussion about personal values during a workshop.
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.
I never regret anything. Because every little detail of your life is what made you into who you are in the end.
The worst men often give the best advice.
Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.
Improvising is wonderful. But, the thing is that you cannot improvise unless you know exactly what you're doing. That's a kind of paradoxical thing about improvising.
Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.
Manβs strength resides in his capacity and desire to elevate himself, so as to attain the good. To travel step by step toward the heights. And that is all he can do. To reach heaven and remain there is beyond his powers: Even Moses had to return to earth. Is it the same for evil?
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