Therefore: In dwelling, choose modest quarters, in thinking, value stillness, in dealing with others, be kind, in choosing words, be sincere, in leading, be just, in working, be competent, in acting, choose the correct timing. Follow these words and there will be no error.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of humility, mindfulness, kindness, sincerity, fairness, competence, and timing in various aspects of life.
Laozi's quote encourages individuals to approach different areas of life with humility, calmness, and sincerity. It highlights that by choosing modesty in living spaces, valuing stillness in thought, practicing kindness in interactions, being sincere in communication, maintaining justice in leadership, striving for competence in work, and acting at the right moment, one can navigate life successfully and avoid potential errors or pitfalls.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a leadership workshop to emphasize the qualities of a good leader.
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.
Itβs funny. I met a man once who did a lot of mountain climbing. I asked him which was harder, ascending or descending? He said without a doubt descending, because ascending you were so focused on reaching the top, you avoided mistakes. The backside of a mountain is a fight against human nature,β he said. βYou have to care as much about yourself on the way down as you did on the way up.
I think if people really read Martin Luther King, Jr., then they would begin to understand what he really represented.
Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work, which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.
Every time you don't follow your inner guidance, you feel a loss of energy, loss of power, a sense of spiritual deadness.
We can set our deeds to the music of a grateful heart, and seek to round our lives into a hymn β the melody of which will be recognized by all who come in contact with us, and the power of which shall not be evanescent, like the voice of the singer, but perennial, like the music of the spheres.
Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.