The truly wise are content to be last. They are, therefore, first. They are indifferent to themselves. They are, therefore self-confident.
Interpretation
True wisdom comes from humility, leading to genuine confidence and true success.
In this quote, Laozi expresses the idea that those who possess true wisdom do not seek to be first or strive for personal recognition. Instead, they find contentment in their humility, which paradoxically brings them to the forefront of understanding and confidence. This suggests that by putting others before themselves and being indifferent to their own desires, wise individuals cultivate a deeper sense of self-assuredness and lead a richer, more meaningful life.
In practice
In a leadership workshop about effective leadership styles.
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.
Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.
Above all, he liked it that everything was one's own fault. There was only oneself to praise or blame. Luck was a servant and not a master. Luck had to be accepted with a shrug or taken advantage of up to the hilt. But it had to be understood and recognized for what it was and not confused with a faulty appreciation of the odds, for, at gambling, the deadly sin is to mistake bad play for bad luck. And luck in all its moods had to be loved and not feared
In each action we must look beyond the action at our past, present, and future state, and at others whom it affects, and see the relations of all those things. And then we shall be very cautious.
One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.
Fools and wise men are equally harmless. It is the half-fools and half-wise that are dangerous.
I used to think I had no will to power. Now I perceive that I vented it on thoughts, rather than people. Conquering an unknown province of knowledge. Getting the better of a problem. Forcing ideas to associate or come apart. Bullying recalcitrant words to assume a certain pattern. All the fun of being a dictator without any risks and responsibilities.
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