Shape clay into a vessel; _x000D_ _x000D_ It is the space within that makes it useful. _x000D_ _x000D_ Cut doors and windows for a room; _x000D_ _x000D_ It is the holes which make it useful. _x000D_ _x000D_ Therefore benefit comes from what is there; _x000D_ _x000D_ Usefulness from what is not there.
Interpretation
True usefulness comes not just from what is present but from the absence of material aspects, highlighting the importance of space and void.
This quote by Laozi expresses a profound philosophical insight that emphasizes how the value and utility of objects or spaces are derived not only from their physical forms but also from the absence or voids within them. For instance, a clay vessel is defined by the hollow space it contains, which allows it to hold water; similarly, windows and doors serve a purpose due to the openings they create. This highlights the idea that emptiness plays a crucial role in giving meaning and functionality to things, suggesting that what is missing is often as important as what is present.
In practice
During a mindfulness workshop, this quote can emphasize the importance of presence and awareness amidst distractions.
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.
I was very, very religious. And of course I wrote about it in 'Night.' I questioned God's silence. So I questioned. I don't have an answer for that. Does it mean that I stopped having faith? No. I have faith, but I question it.
What our generation has forgotten is that the system of private property is the most important guarantee of freedom, not only for those who own property, but scarcely less for those who do not. It is only because the control of the means of production is divided among many people acting independently that nobody has complete power over us, that we as individuals can decide what to do with ourselves.
If I stop to think about fans, or best-selling, or not best-selling, or good reviews, or not-good reviews, it just becomes too much. It's like staring at the mirror all day.
People don't remember me. Really. It's not a paranoid thing; I just have this habit of slipping through memories. It doesn't bother me all that much, except I guess that's a lie; it does. For some reason, I test very high on forgettability.
The haunting of history is ever present in Barcelona. I see cities as organisms, as living creatures. To me, Madrid is a man and Barcelona is a woman. And it's a woman who's extremely vain.
But what if your obsession has nothing to do with drugs or thrills or money? What if what you want most in the world is to recapture the way life was a week, a month, a year ago-and you are willing to do whatever it takes?
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