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.
Meditation means getting out of the mind, looking at the mind from the outside. That`s exactly the meaning of the word `ecstasy`: to stand out. To stand out of the mind makes you ecstatic, brings bliss to you. And great intelligence is released. When you are identified with the mind you cannot be very intelligent because you become identified with an instrument, you become confined by the instrument and its limitations. And you are unlimited - you are consciousness.
Imaginative, sanguine men will never recognize that in negotiations the most dangerous moment of all is when everything is moving according to their wishes.
He who cannot find time to consult his Bible will one day find he has time to be sick; he who has no time to pray must find time to die; he who can find no time to reflect is most likely to find time to sin; he who cannot find time for repentance will find an eternity in which repentance will be of no avail; he who cannot find time to work for others may find an eternity in which to suffer for himself.
Those that have done nothing in life, are not qualified to judge of those that have done little
Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger.
Experiences aren't given to us to be 'got over,' otherwise they would hardly be experiences.
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