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.
On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
We have this myth that extroverts are better salespeople. As a result, extroverts are more likely to enter sales; extroverts are more likely to get promoted in sales jobs. But if you look at the correlation between extroversion and actual sales performance - that is, how many times the cash register actually rings - the correlation's almost zero.
The limits of pleasure are as yet neither known nor fixed, and that we have no idea what degree of bodily bliss we are capable of attaining.
There's a good reason why nobody studies history, it just teaches you too much.
There is nothing so stupid as the educated man if you get him off the thing he was educated in.
What you put out is already on its way back to you.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.