What is well rooted cannot be pulled up. What is firmly grasped will not slip loose. It will be honoured from generation to generation.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the importance of strong foundations, whether in knowledge, beliefs, or values, indicating that what is deeply established can endure over time.
Laozi emphasizes the significance of having deep roots in our beliefs and values, suggesting that when something is well-established, it becomes resilient to challenges and cannot easily be uprooted or lost. This endurance is honored and preserved across generations, reflecting the idea that having strength in our foundations contributes to lasting legacies.
In practice
During a speech about education, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of a strong foundational knowledge.
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.
I've started horses since I was 12 years old and have been bit, kicked, bucked off and run over. I've tried every physical means to contain my horse in an effort to keep from getting myself killed. I started to realize that things would come much easier for me once I learned why a horse does what he does.
A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.
Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.
Never refuse to do a kindness unless the act would work great injury to yourself, and never refuse to take a drink - under any circumstances.
Anxiety is the gap between the NOW and the THEN. So if you are in the NOW, you can't be anxious, because your excitement flows immediately into ongoing spontaneous activity.
Learn to distinguish what you can and can't control. Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, desires and the things that repel us. They are directly subject to our influence.
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