“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
— Laozi
Simplified Meaning:
Understanding other people and their behaviors makes you smart. But truly understanding who you are and your own thoughts is the deepest form of wisdom. Being able to control and influence other people shows strength, but having control over your own actions and emotions is the greatest form of true power. Think about a coach of a sports team. A good coach studies the strengths and weaknesses of other teams to come up with smart game plans – this is intelligence. However, the best coaches also understand their own team's abilities very well and know how to motivate each player – this is wisdom. Beyond that, while many people can lead a team and make it successful, the very best coaches also remain calm and composed, especially under pressure. They handle stress well and make thoughtful decisions, showing true power and self-control. In your own life, you can apply this by not just learning about others, but really spending time to know yourself. Understand what makes you happy, sad, or stressed. Reflect on your actions and improve yourself. This inner knowledge and control will make you strong and guide you through challenges more effectively.
