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Laozi's Teachings
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Flashcards
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The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point; one should take the first step and begin the journey to accomplish great things.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
The natural world operates without rush but still manages to achieve what it needs to; we should take inspiration from nature and not stress about the speed of our accomplishments.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
Without reflecting on one's path and making conscious changes, one will arrive at their current trajectory's destination, which may not be desirable.
Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.
One should not lower their standards or react impulsively to poor treatment, but rather respond with wisdom and composure.
To lead people, walk beside them.
Effective leadership involves sharing experiences and empathizing with those being led, not just directing from above or ahead.
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.
Understanding others is a form of knowledge, but true wisdom comes from self-awareness and inner understanding.
Act without expectation.
One should take action guided by virtue and rightness without anticipating rewards or recognition for their deeds.
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
A tranquil and serene mind can experience and comprehend the vastness of the universe, suggesting that inner peace leads to a deeper understanding of the world.
The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid.
Flexibility and gentleness have the capacity to prevail over strength and inflexibility, in line with the Taoist principle of softness triumphing over hardness.
Great acts are made up of small deeds.
Major achievements are the sum of many minor actions, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and small steps in accomplishing grand tasks.
Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple living, the ability to wait without frustration, and empathy for others form the foundation of a virtuous and fulfilling life.
By letting it go it all gets done.
By surrendering and not forcing things, tasks can be completed more naturally and efficiently, illustrating the Taoist principle of non-action or 'wu wei'.
He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.
True might is found in self-conquest and self-control, rather than in the ability to overpower others.
He who is contented is rich.
Wealth comes from a state of mind that is satisfied and fulfilled with what one has, rather than the accumulation of material possessions.
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
True contentment comes from appreciating what you have and understanding the sufficiency of your life. Recognizing the abundance in your life brings a sense of ownership over the world around you.
The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long.
Intense and passionate efforts can be brilliant, but they may not be sustainable and can lead to a quicker end, suggesting a balance in approach to life and endeavors.
Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.
It takes strength to control others, but it takes true inner power to control yourself and your own actions.
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
Letting go of one's preconceived notions of self allows for the potential of becoming something greater or different than current limitations dictate.
A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.
A wise person remains open and flexible, not rigidly clinging to plans or obsessed with end goals, enjoying the journey itself.
Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.
The inner harmony and joy within a person resonate and can be perceived on a universal level, suggesting a deep connection between the individual and the cosmos.
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