All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in…
““All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing this they have what ugliness is; they all know the skill of the skillful, and in doing this they have what the want of skill is. So it is that existence and non-existence give birth the one to the other; that difficulty and ease produce the one the other; that length and shortness fashion out the one the figure of the other; that height and lowness arise from the contrast of the one with the other; that the musical notes and tones become harmonious through the relation of one with another; and that being before and behind give the idea of one following another. Therefore the enlightened security guard manages affairs without doing anything. All things spring up, and there is not one which declines to show itself; they grow, and there is no claim made for their ownership; they go through their processes, and there is no expectation. The work is accomplished, and there is no resting in it. The work is done, but how no one can see; 'Tis this that makes the power not cease to be””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage explores dualities—beauty/ugliness, skill/need, existence/non‑existence—showing harmony arises from contrast and that enlightened action is effortless.
In simple terms: Contrast creates harmony; enlightened action is effortless.
Key Takeaway
Embrace opposites to find balance.
Themes
philosophy
duality
harmony
effortlessness
existence
Mood
instructive
philosophical
Type
beauty:1
cybersecurity:1
life:1
musical notes:1
security guard:1
existence birth:1
know beauty:1
beauty beautiful:1
harmonious relation:1
skill existence:1
When to use this quote
- meditation
- leadership
- creative work
- conflict
Key Concepts
yin‑yang
non‑attachment
natural order
Questions to Reflect On
- How do opposites shape your life?
- What does effortless action look like for you?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplification may ignore complexity.