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.
The wavering mind is but a base possession.
If you are still being hurt by an event that happened to you at twelve, it is the thought that is hurting you now.
Whenever a man's friends begin to compliment him about looking young, he may be sure that they think he is growing old.
People have more freedom to bring more of their personal qualities into the role they play once they have established themselves and their competence is no longer in question. But this is always within limits.
Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the danger of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of "crackpot" than the stigma of conformity.
Exile (being where we don't want to be with people we don't want to be with) forces a decision: Will I focus my attention on what is wrong with the world and feel sorry for myself? Or will I focus my energies on how I can live at my best in this place I find myself?...'I will do my best with what is here.'
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