Thoughts and analysis of famous quotes.
Who hasn't experienced it: you want to achieve something at all costs and put a lot of energy and effort into it. But just as quickly as the action picks up speed, it also loses it again. In this case, wouldn't it be better to work slowly but steadily? "An overly sharpened sword does not last long." - Lao Tzu A...
It seems plausible that man devotes much fascination to the things that lie within his own horizon. But this also means that we overlook many other things. The ancient Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu noticed this more than 2000 years ago. The following quotation deals with exactly this circumstance: "People honor what is within...
Often the function of a leader is not properly understood. Instead of really thinking of someone who leads people, people often think and a personality who is in the public eye. According to the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, this is completely wrong. In the following quote this becomes more than clear: "A leader is best when people...
It's not uncommon for everything we have in mind to be a goal. Whether it's a trip, a sport or whatever. However, it is important to also enjoy the journey and not just the arrival, or completion of a plan, let alone a plan per se. "A good traveler has...
We often define our value by what we can do for others. On the one hand, this is because it can be quite difficult to disappoint others, on the other hand, in our meritocracy, we are taught this from an early age - however, we don't always have to be useful. "The cinnamon tree is edible: so it is cut down!The lacquer tree is useful:...
The calmer we approach a matter, the better we can understand it in its true nature. However, if we go into a situation angry, our own emotion may prevent us from achieving the best possible result. "The best fighter is never angry." - Lao Tzu Anger is a very powerful emotion, it...
The following words by Chuang Tzu may sound a little confusing at first. Or a little harsh at second glance. But the ancient Chinese philosopher had put a lot of thought into it and the quote actually corresponds exactly to Daoist philosophy: "Happiness is the absence of the pursuit of happiness." Chuang Tzu Isn't that a...
We as a single person can't do everything, so it's important to hand over responsibilities. But how are we to know who to entrust these responsibilities to? Before we can trust others, we must first trust in ourselves. "If you don't trust yourself, how can you trust anyone else?" - Lao Tzu Everyone knows...
Zhuangzi (or Chuang Tzu in some translations) is considered one of the most important representatives of Taoism. He lived from 365 B.C. to 290 B.C. He is said to have been an exceptionally wise man. In the traditions it is said: "Even the greatest scholars of his time could not refute him. The words flowed and bubbled out of...
Modern consumerism plays us to believe that we should consume more and better goods. Ideally, we should buy a completely new wardrobe every week, the latest snacks, cell phones or headphones - however, more is never enough. Lao Tzu already knew over 2000 years ago that it is important to know when you have had enough....
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