He who acts, spoils; he who grasps, lets slip.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that excessive action or attachment can lead to loss or failure.
Laozi's quote reflects the idea that in life, attempting to control or force outcomes can often lead to unintended consequences, while hesitance to act can mean missed opportunities. It serves as a reminder of the balance between action and acceptance, urging us to recognize that sometimes, less is more, and that holding too tightly can lead to losing what we care about.
In practice
In a discussion about decision-making, one might use this quote to illustrate the consequences of being overly controlling.
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.
Scripture is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose; it will defend itself.
We dance round in a ring and suppose, but the secret sits in the middle and knows.
I do know that the slickest way to lie is to tell the right amount of truth--then shut up.
The sad ones are those who waste their energy in trying to hold it back, for they can only feel bitterness in loss and no joy in gain.
Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father's love - difficulties, contradictions, humiliations, all the soul's miseries, her burdens, her needs - everything, because through them, she learns humility, realizes her weakness. Everything is a grace because everything is God's gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events - to the heart that loves, all is well.
A wise man told me don't argue with fools. Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.