Thus it is that "Some things are increased by being diminished, others are diminished by being increased." What others have taught, I also teach; verily, I will make it the root of my teaching.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that some qualities or values grow stronger when they are restrained, while others weaken when they are exaggerated.
Laozi's quote reflects a profound philosophical insight into the nature of balance and moderation. It emphasizes that certain virtues or concepts, such as humility and simplicity, can be enhanced through restraint, while excess or overindulgence can lead to a loss of those very qualities. This teaching underlines the importance of understanding the context and nature of things to cultivate a harmonious existence.
In practice
In a speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of moderation.
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.
Watch the clouds. They will teach you about the world of form.
It is a monstrous thing that I will say, but I will say it all the same: I find in many things more restraint and order in my morals than in my opinions, and my lust less depraved than my reason.
The truth is that the religious and the scientific processes, though involving different methods, are identical in their final aim. Both aim at reaching the most real.
We did not domesticate wheat; wheat domesticated us.
Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.
The death of a language. The word has the same kind of reluctant resonance as it has when we talk about the death of a person. And indeed, that's how it should be. For that's how it is. A language dies only when the last person who speaks it dies.
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