When superior people hear of the Way, they carry it out with diligence. When middling people hear of the Way, it sometimes seems to be there, sometimes not. When lesser people hear of the Way, they ridicule it greatly. If they didn't laugh at it, it wouldn't be the Way.
Interpretation
People's responses to wisdom or truth vary based on their character.
This quote by Laozi highlights the differing reactions to profound wisdom or the 'Way' among individuals of varying levels of understanding. Superior individuals embrace and diligently follow the Way, while those of middling understanding may be inconsistent in their acceptance, and lesser individuals mock it, indicating a lack of depth in comprehension. The ridicule may even be a sign that the Way is indeed something significant and worthy of pursuit, as growth often eludes those who do not seek it seriously.
In practice
During a motivational talk, one might reference this quote to explain how different people embrace or reject ideas.
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.
.. that which renders morality an active principle and constitutes virtue our happiness, and vice our misery: it is probable, I say, that this final sentence depends on some internal sense or feeling, which nature has made universal in the whole species.
I see thee better in the dark I do not need a light.
Cease being intimidated by the argument that a right action is impossible because it does not yield maximum profits, or that a wrong action is to be condoned because it pays.
Christ literally walked in our shoes and entered into our affliction. Those who will not help others until they are destitute reveal that Christ's love has not yet turned them into the sympathetic persons the gospel should make them.
Evil comes at leisure like the disease. Good comes in a hurry like the doctor.
Man has always sacrificed truth to his vanity, comfort and advantage. He lives not by truth but by make-believe.
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