The True Person avoids extremes, self-indulgence, and extravagance.
The True Person avoids extremes, self-indulgence, and extravagance.
What did Laozi mean by:

The True Person avoids extremes, self-indulgence, and extravagance.

The True Person avoids extremes, self-indulgence, and extravagance” is a profound quote that carries a deep wisdom about maintaining balance in life. It suggests that a genuine or authentic person is one who avoids going to extremes in their behaviors, emotions, and actions. They understand the importance of moderation and balance, not giving in to excessive indulgence or extravagant behaviors.

In the context of self-indulgence, the quote is referring to the avoidance of excessive or obsessive focus on one’s own needs, desires, or comforts, often at the expense of others or one’s own long-term wellbeing. Self-indulgence often involves instant gratification, which can lead to unhealthy habits or behaviors. By avoiding self-indulgence, a true person is able to prioritize long-term wellbeing over short-term pleasure.

Extravagance, on the other hand, implies an excessive or unnecessary expenditure of resources, such as time, money, or energy. It’s about living beyond one’s means or spending excessively on luxury and opulence. A true person avoids such behavior, understanding that it can lead to wastefulness and does not contribute to genuine happiness or fulfillment.

Applying this idea in today’s world or personal development, it suggests the importance of maintaining balance in all aspects of life – be it work-life balance, emotional balance, or financial balance. It encourages us to avoid the societal pressures of consumerism and instant gratification, and instead focus on sustainable and meaningful growth.

For instance, in personal development, one might avoid extremes by maintaining a balanced approach to learning and growth – not obsessing over a single skill or area of knowledge, but diversifying and learning in a holistic manner. Similarly, avoiding self-indulgence might involve practicing self-control, delaying gratification, and making decisions that are in the best interest of one’s long-term goals and wellbeing. And avoiding extravagance could mean living within one’s means, practicing frugality, and valuing experiences and relationships over material possessions.

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