He who has the attributes of the Tao regards only the conditions of the engagement, while he who has not those attributes regards only the conditions favourable to himself.

Excerpt

Therefore, the sage keeps the left-hand portion of the record of the engagement, and does not insist on the fulfilment of it by the other party. So, he who has the attributes of the Tao regards only the conditions of the engagement, while he who has not those attributes regards only the conditions favourable to himself. In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man.

Source Tao Te King, chapter 79 · 📖 Read the full passage

✨ To meditate on today

According to Lao Tzu, the sage is like a creditor who keeps his half of the contract (in old times a tablet cut in two) without ever demanding what is owed: the good person thinks of giving, and Heaven always supports those who act with kindness. Today, give up claiming something you are owed, a favour, an apology, a thank-you, and offer a free gesture instead.

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