He who when others strive to be first, contents himself with the lowest place, is said to accept the contumely of the world.

Excerpt

He who conscious of being strong, is content to be weak,—he shall be a cynosure of men. "He who conscious of purity, puts up with disgrace,—he shall be the cynosure of mankind. "He who when others strive to be first, contents himself with the lowest place, is said to accept the contumely of the world.

Source Chuang Tzu, chapter 33, §10 · 📖 Read the full passage

✨ To meditate on today

According to Chuang Tzu, Lao Tan (Lao Tzu) taught to unite strength with gentleness, to become like the confluence where all waters meet because it is the lowest place, and not to seek to appear: humility gathers instead of dividing. Today, choose the last place on purpose once (go after the others, leave the best piece, let someone else speak) and taste the peace it brings.

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