When the uncarved wood is split, its parts are put to use. When the sage is put to use, he becomes the head.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that raw potential can be utilized effectively, and wisdom leads to leadership.
Laozi's quote highlights the value of unrefined potential, symbolized by uncarved wood, which, when divided, brings utility. Similarly, a sage, when utilized or recognized for their knowledge, naturally takes on a leadership role, emphasizing that wisdom is purposeful and should be applied in society.
In practice
In a leadership seminar, one might quote Laozi to emphasize the importance of recognizing and utilizing untapped potential in individuals.
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.
Reasonable men adapt themselves to their environment; unreasonable men try to adapt their environment to themselves. Thus all progress is the result of the efforts of unreasonable men.
The past will not tell us what we ought to do, but... what we ought to avoid.
Women are wiser than men because they know less and understand more.
Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.
They were small, brightly coloured, happy little creatures who secreted some of the nastiest toxins in the world, which is why the job of looking after the large vivarium where they happily passed their days was given to first-year students, on the basis that if they got things wrong there wouldn't be too much education wasted.
Any time you are with anyone or think of anyone you must say to yourself: I am dying and this person too is dying, attempting the while to experience the truth of the words you are saying. If every one of you agrees to practice this, bitterness will die out, harmony will arise.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.