210120 What I learned in my studies this morning

Today's Tao:

The softest thing in the universe 

Overcomes the hardest thing in the universe. 

That without substance can enter where there is no room. 

Hence I know the value of non-action. 

Teaching without words and working without doing 

Are understood by very few.

From The Daily Stoic: 

 

“Your principles can’t be extinguished unless you snuff out the thoughts that feed them, for it’s continually in your power to reignite new ones. . . . It’s possible to start living again! See things anew as you once did—that is how to restart life!”—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.2

The most powerful man in the empire can have a bad day / week / month and find it necessary to write these words to himself in his private journal, one not meant for sharing. 

If evenbhe needs a reminder that he can, at any time, make the decision — something that is up to him — and bring himself back to his core principles and to begin a new life from now, then so can I. 

From Eric Hoffer, Part III, Unifying Agents:

Hatred 

...the surrendering and humbling of the self breed pride and arrogance. The true believer is apt to see himself as one of the chosen, the salt of the earth, the light of the world, a prince disguised in meekness, who is destined to inherit this earth and the kingdom of heaven, too. He who is not of his faith is evil; he who will not listen shall perish.

Self-sacrifice, self-doubt, self-abnegation into the Movement, the unity of spirit within the whole, all breed hatred for those without. 

They are not only the cause of the unity, but the product as well. 

Worse, this hatred comes from a place of calm, wherein the member feels not only justification, but also humble satisfaction that they are ridding the world of evil / not party. 

The consummation of the human into the Movement releases them from personal responsibility, allowing for the most grievous of offenses against humanity. 

The torture chamber is a corporate institution.

(The True Believer, XIV-77)