For all things difficult to acquire, the intelligent man works with perseverance.
Interpretation
Intelligent individuals achieve success through hard work and persistence.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges. It suggests that intelligence alone is insufficient for success; rather, it is the combination of intelligence and relentless effort that leads to the acquisition of difficult goals or accomplishments.
In practice
In a motivational speech about achieving goals despite setbacks.
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.
You never find yourself until you face the truth.
To want fame is to prefer dying scorned than forgotten.
What is reason? Knowledge informed by sympathy, intelligence in the arms of_x000D_ love.
Everyone can recognize history when it happens. Everyone can recognize history after is has happened; but only the wise man knows at the moment what is vital and permanent, what is lasting and memorable.
It will not always be summer: build barns.
Perhaps a wiser eye than hers would be able to read tomorrow in tonight's stars, but where was the fun in that? It was better not to know. Better to be alive in the Here and the Now--in this bright, laughing moment--and let the Hours to come take care of themselves.
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