From What-is all the world of things was born But What-is sprang in turn from What-is-not.
Interpretation
This quote explores the relationship between existence and non-existence, emphasizing that everything that exists arises from the absence of what does not exist.
Laozi's quote illustrates a fundamental philosophical concept where the material world is a result of both what exists and what does not exist. It suggests that the essence of reality is intertwined with the void of possibilities, highlighting how creation stems from the interplay between being and non-being. This idea resonates with the notion that understanding existence involves acknowledging what is absent and the potential for everything that has not yet come to be.
In practice
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of reality.
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.
Pleasant it is, when over a great sea the winds trouble the waters, to gaze from shore upon another's great tribulation: not because any man's troubles are a delectable joy, but because to perceive from what ills you are free yourself is pleasant.
To be oneself, simply oneself, is so amazing and utterly unique an experience that it's hard to convince oneself so singular a thing happens to everybody.
DISCRIMINATE, v.i. To note the particulars in which one person or thing is, if possible, more objectionable than another.
…and there, in the background, the sky’s sediment had sunk to a place where all the woe of the words ‘I am’ dissolved into blue peace. He said it. ‘The ocean.
The highest religion is to rise to universal brother hood; aye to consider all creatures your equals.
Now I am discovering the world once more. England has widened my horizon.
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