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Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.

Laozi

Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise man’s tools. He uses them only when he has no choice.
LAOZI

Choice Instrument Men Tool Weapon Wise
That the soft overcomes the hard, and the yielding overcomes the resistant, is a fact known by all, but practiced by few.
LAOZI

Fact Known Overcoming Practice
Health is the greatest possession.
LAOZI

Health Possession Wealth
Heavy is the root of light.
LAOZI

heavy Light Root Taoism
The world is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering.
LAOZI

Courses Go Letting World
He who loves does not dispute: He who disputes does not love.
LAOZI

Dispute Emotion Feelings Love
Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return.
LAOZI

Contemplate Heart Mind Peace
In ancient times, those who followed the Way did not try to give people knowledge thereof, but kept them ignorant.
LAOZI

Give Knowledge Ignorant People
What resists, persists.
LAOZI

Emotions Feel Persist Resist
The more weapons of violence, the more misery to mankind. The triumph of violence ends in a festival of mourning.
LAOZI

Mourn Triumph Weapon
A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.
LAOZI

Fulfill Inspirational Leadership Wisdom
Never take over the world to tamper with it. Those who want to tamper with it are not fit to take over the world.
LAOZI

REquired Take Taoism Temper World
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.
LAOZI

Being Hard Time Stay Strong
When the Way is lost there is virtue. When virtue is lost there is benevolence. When benevolence is lost there is righteousness. When righteousness is lost there are rituals.
LAOZI

Taoism Virtue Way
Not all spiritual paths lead to the harmonious Oneness. Indeed, most are detours and distractions, nothing more.
LAOZI

Detours Distraction Oneness Spiritual
The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
LAOZI

Cheish Sage Taoism

Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.

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Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.

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