Book of Leadership and Strategy (eBook)

OnPeace Ifyouknow when you have enough, you will not be disgraced. Ifyouknow when to stop, you will not be endangered. —,Lao-tzu,Tao-teChing Thosewho can maintain the world certainly do not lose their nations. Those who canmaintain their nations certainly do not lose their families. Those who can takecare of their families certainly do not neglect themselves. Those who cancultivate themselves certainly do not forget their minds. Those who can findthe source of their minds certainly do not corrode their essential nature.Those who can completely preserve the integrity of their essential naturecertainly do not waver indecisively on the Way. Therefore,the Master of Expanded Development said, 'Carefully guard within,thoroughly close without, cognizing much is defeating. Do not look, do notlisten, embrace the spirit calmly, and the body will straighten itself.' Nonecan know another without attaining it in oneself. Therefore, the 'Book ofChanges' says, 'Close up the bag, and there is no blame orpraise.' Ifyou are clear, calm, and uncontrived, heaven will provide a time for you. Ifyou are modest, frugal, and disciplined, earth will produce wealth for you. Whena boat is crossing a river, if an empty boat broadsides it and overturns it,the passengers in the first boat may very well be upset, but they won't beresentful. Thosewho know how to learn are like axles of a car: the center of the hub does notitself move, but with it they go a thousand miles, beginning again when theyfinish, operating an inexhaustible resource. Thosewho do not know how to learn are as though lost: tell them the cardinaldirections, and they misunderstand, listening from their own point of view,they are disoriented and therefore fail to get the gist of the whole matter.Perfected people lean on a pillar that cannot be toppled, travel a road thatcannot be blocked, take orders from a perennial government, and arrive whereverthey go. Lifecannot hang on their minds, death cannot darken their spirits. Whenpeople can penetrate the deepest darkness and enter the shining light, then itis possible to talk to them about the ultimate. Thosein whom sense overpowers desire flourish, while those in whom desire overpowerssense perish. Habitualdesires deplete people's energy, likes and dislikes strain people's minds. Ifyou don't get rid of them quickly, your will and energy will diminish day by day. Whenyou penetrate psychology, you realize that habitual desires, likes anddislikes, are external. WhatI call happiness is when people appreciate what they have. People whoappreciate what they have do not consider extravagance enjoyable and do notconsider frugality a sorry state. Peoplecrave position, power, and wealth, but if it is a matter of holding a map ofthe world in your left hand while cutting your throat with your right hand,even an ignoramus would not do that. Seen in this light, life is more valuablethan worldly dominion.