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.
People of uncommon abilities generally fall into eccentricities when their sphere of life is not adequate to their abilities.
The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie--deliberate, contrived and dishonest--but the myth--persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. Too often we hold fast to the cliches of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.
Get to the end of yourself where you can do nothing, but where He does everything.
Sometimes you donβt just want to risk making mistakes; you actually want to make them - if only to give you something clear and detailed to fix.
Minds are like swords, I do fear. The old ones go to rust.
The day will come when you will review your life and be thankful for every minute of it. Every hurt, every sorrow, every joy, every celebration, every moment of your life will be a treasure to you, for you will see the utter perfection of the design. You will stand back from the weaving and see the tapestry, and you will weep at the beauty of it.
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