The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.
Interpretation
True wisdom involves selflessness and humility in one's actions.
This quote from Laozi emphasizes the importance of acting with humility and without seeking recognition for one's actions. A wise person focuses on the deeds themselves rather than personal glory, embodying the essence of selflessness and true contribution to the world.
In practice
During a keynote speech on leadership, one might quote Laozi to emphasize the importance of humility in guiding others.
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.
You'll never know how close you are to a million-dollar idea unless you're willing to listen.
Try viewing everyone who comes into your life as a teacher.
We are born as innocents. We are polluted by advice.
Trust not to your feelings for whatever they might be now, they will quickly be changed towards some other thing.
You're worth something because God says you're worth something-not because of what people think or say about you.
That prayer has great power which a person makes with all his might. It makes a sour heart sweet, a sad heart merry, a poor heart rich, a foolish heart wise, a timid heart brave, a sick heart well, a blind heart full of sight, a cold heart ardent. It draws down the great God into the little heart; it drives the hungry soul up into the fullness of God; it brings together two lovers, God and the soul, in a wondrous place where they speak much of love.
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