The sage is not ill, because he sees illness as illness.
Interpretation
The sage understands the nature of illness, which helps him maintain peace of mind.
In this quote, Laozi suggests that a wise person perceives illness not as a negative affliction but as a natural aspect of life. This understanding allows the sage to remain unaffected by the suffering that typically accompanies illness, highlighting the importance of perspective and acceptance in achieving tranquility.
In practice
In a lecture on emotional resilience, a speaker might quote Laozi to illustrate how understanding our challenges can ease our suffering.
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.
Just be yourself, there is no one better.
You proceed from a false assumption: I have no ego to bruise.
a fool forgetting all the ideals and joys I knew before, in my recent years of drinking and disappointment, what does he care if he hasn't got any money: he doesn't need any money, all he needs is his rucksack with those little plastic bags of dried food and a good pair of shoes and off he goes and enjoys the privileges of a millionaire in surroundings like this.
It's a little embarrassing that after 45 years of research & study, the best advice I can give people is to be a little kinder to each other.
When you're young, there's so much that you can't take in. It's pouring over you like a waterfall. When you're older, it's less intense, but you're able to reach out and drink it. I love being older.
All the wonders you seek are within yourself. We should seek to discover our own special light. Know how to live within yourself; there in your soul lives a whole world of mysterious and enchanted thoughts; they will be drowned by noise of this world. Be still and listen to their singing and be silent.
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