Tao of the Day

Oct 08, 2003 09:58

Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results. - Lao Tzu (Mitchell: 36)

tao, head noise

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Comments 15

balzacq October 8 2003, 11:08:30 UTC
"Solve the following problems. Show your work for full credit." -- Mr. Pritchard, Physics Teacher, 1982

:-)

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burgunder October 8 2003, 11:14:22 UTC
Exactly! I have a lifetime of engineering that saturates and overwhelms my interactions with people.

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vulture23 October 8 2003, 11:33:08 UTC
Same here. Especially because I tend to want to show my logic so that someone else may have a chance to point out logical flaws or erroneous assumptions...

This could be worth pondering for a bit.

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metalmensch October 8 2003, 13:00:40 UTC
As I recall, this particular phrase is in part of his writings where humility is a big focus. Nobody needs to know anything but that it's done. Even that we did something is an unnecessary thing to mention to others, merely that it is done.

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seelenschwester October 8 2003, 18:41:53 UTC
I just want to pipe up here and say 'thank you!' for posting these, Kim. I'm enjoying them muchly. It's good to have slightly deeper thoughts to ponder as I sip my coffee...

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serpentmoon October 8 2003, 19:25:05 UTC
If this is addressing humility, then I would interpret it as advising one to let the results (deed or product) seem as effortless as possible. Such as when you are giving a gift to someone, you don't let them know how much it cost you whether it be currency or sweat. Let whatever it is be whatever it is, not the workings of it.

Of course, when you want credit or want to be paid for services rendered, it would be appropriate to itemize your expenses and efforts. :)

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thogs_travels October 8 2003, 20:03:10 UTC
*snort*

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serpentmoon October 8 2003, 22:09:27 UTC
*postured standing with hands on hips*

and what is that supposed to mean, Mr. Thog? please elaborate.

:p

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thogs_travels October 9 2003, 02:02:09 UTC
Amusement and agreement. (grin)

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