Laozi was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, known as the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching. He is seen as the founder of philosophical Taoism. His work has been immortalized through the ages, and much of it stands today as a timeless reminder of what it means to live full to one’s potential and character. The following lines, taken from Tao Te Ching (Book One, XXXIII), are an example of this.

He who knows others is clever,
He who knows himself has discernment.

We all know that it is easier to look at others and scrutinize them–we do it all the time. But to look inward, to measure the quality of your own mind and spirit, and to truly know who you are, is a much more demanding–and rewarding–task. Anyone can look at another and gain some insight into their character. But few can look at themselves and truly, without bias, understand what they really are.

He who overcomes others has force,
He who overcomes himself is strong.

Once again an outer versus inner view. Defeating others, be it by violence or wit or other means, is ultimately a contest of force, of competing strength. But through the ages we have seen those who were strong in this manner come apart because of their own misperceptions and lack of self-discipline. To overcome oneself is to resist the lesser and strive towards the greater, to forego short-term pleasure for long-term success. Overcoming all the vices that prey on our hearts, overcoming our unruly emotion, and ultimately overcoming the flaws of our own humanity–that takes true strength. Anyone can make a show of force on another. But not everyone can make a positive show of force on themselves.

He who knows contentment is rich.

Indeed, we live in a world where contentment is a dying treasure. One can have everything in the world, but if he thinks it not enough, he will be an unhappy man. To be content is to be happy with what you have, and to be happy with what you have is to be rich.

He who perseveres is a man of purpose,
He who does not lose his station will endure.

All worthy goals take time and persistence. The one who gives up early will never attained their full potential. Thus, just as Laozi said long ago, the one who has purpose, and thereby the fiery will to keep trying, will ultimately win, for he will not lose his station, for he will endure despite all of life’s challenges.

He who lives out his days has had a long life.

To live out your days can mean many things, but here is what I think it is: to take each day and live in it, not in the past days and not in the coming days. It is easy to forego the present by thinking about the future. It is so easy to lose time being elsewhere than HERE and NOW. But the truth is that the only time we have to change the future is now, and the only thing we truly possess is this moment in time. Thus, the one who lives out his days, who truly lives each day like a miniature life–to its fullest, to the end!–will have a long life indeed. For it is not the time we have, but what we do in the time, that determines the true quality of your lives.

Wisdom is everywhere. One need only look.