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In an era of peace, one needs to be “square”, which means being strict and upright. In an era of turmoil, one needs to be “rounded”, which means being flexible and tactful.
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Not only are the actions and words of a good man peaceful and serene, even when asleep his facial expression is full of good will.
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Striving to get on in the world without keeping some distance from it is like trying to shake the dirt off your clothes while shrouded by dust, or like washing your feet in a mud puddle.
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For new readers of the Dao De Jing, there are two essential points to understand beforehand.