Lao Tzu: 'He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.'

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.

Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism, once said, "He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty." This thought-provoking quote holds a profound meaning and offers insights into the nature of true strength and power. On a straightforward level, it suggests that gaining power over others may be a display of strength, but it is the conquest of oneself that truly signifies mightiness.In a world where power struggles are all too common, Lao Tzu's words serve as a reminder to reflect upon the concept of strength and the different forms it can take. The idea of conquering others implies dominance, control, and superiority. It suggests the ability to overpower or subdue those around us, often associated with physical or mental strength. However, this kind of strength is fleeting and superficial, for it is based on external factors and can be easily eroded.On the other hand, conquering oneself, as Lao Tzu suggests, encompasses a higher level of personal growth and resilience. It takes tremendous inner strength to overcome our flaws, weaknesses, and insecurities. The act of self-conquest involves mastering our emotions, desires, and impulses, thereby gaining control over our own thoughts and actions. Such inner discipline and self-awareness lead to a sense of genuine empowerment and inner peace.Now, let's explore an unexpected philosophical concept, which can shed further light on Lao Tzu's quote — that of non-duality. Non-duality is a philosophical framework that challenges our conventional understanding of self and other, highlighting their interconnectedness and blurring the boundary between them. In this perspective, the conqueror and the conquered are perceived as two sides of the same coin, inseparable and interdependent.In the realm of non-duality, conquering others and conquering oneself are not seen as distinct or opposite endeavors. Instead, they are part of a unified process that involves self-realization and the realization of our interconnectedness with the world around us. By conquering our own ego-driven desires and attachments, we uncover our intrinsic connection with others, leading to a deep sense of compassion, understanding, and empathy.When we explore the interplay between these two concepts, we begin to realize that true mightiness lies not in dominating others but in transcending the illusion of separateness and cultivating harmony within ourselves and with the world. It is a journey of self-discovery wherein we uncover the fundamental truth that our strength lies not in overpowering others but in embracing our shared humanity and fostering unity.In conclusion, Lao Tzu's timeless quote, "He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty," offers a profound insight into the nature of strength and power. It reminds us that while conquering others may demonstrate strength in a conventional sense, true mightiness arises from conquering ourselves. By delving into the unexpected philosophical concept of non-duality, we discover a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between self and other, ultimately realizing that the path to true mightiness lies in nurturing unity and cultivating inner harmony.