Lao Tzu writes a political message.

From a solitary contemplation of nature, far removed from the affairs of men, can emerge a philosophy that has, both in a critical as well a constructive sense -- a direct and practical political message. Lao Tzu writes:

Why are people starving?
Because the rulers eat up the money in taxes.
Therefore the people are starving. Why are the people rebellious?
Because the rulers interfere too much.
Therefore they are rebellious.
Why do people think so little of death?
Because the rulers demand too much of life.
Therefore the people take life lightly.
Having to live on, one knows better than to value life too much.

When I read this quote, I immediately thought about the South African Government. The quote defines the country and the corruption of politicians.

The Taoist sage has no ambitions, therefore he can never fail

The Taoist sage has no ambitions, therefore he can never fail. He who never fails always succeeds. And he who always succeeds is all- powerful.

What is ambition - it is a strong desire of achievement or distinction, such as fame, wealth, power, or honor. It is the willingness to strive for its attainment.

In his quote, he said there is no ambition, and therefore he never fails. If he never fails, he always succeeds. It took me a long time to understand this quote, but now it makes sense.

I am not ambitious, I am not seeking power or fame or wealth, so therefore I cannot fail and I love the knowledge of knowing that I cannot fail. Personally, I am content and successful, and therefore at peace.

Here is a short description of Taoism -

Taoism (also called Daoism) is a religious or philosophical tradition of Chinese origin that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (also romanized as Dao). The term Tao means "way", "path", or "principle", and can also be found in Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism.

Thoughts become words, therefore, watch

 Watch your thoughts. They become words. Watch your words. They become deeds. Watch your deeds. They become habits. Watch your habits. They become the character. The character is everything.

The thought manifests as the word,

The word manifests as the deed,

The deed develops into habit,

And the habit hardens into character.

So watch the thought and its way with care,

And let it spring from love

Born out of concern for all beings.

The words above echo what the Buddha said more than 2500 years ago: ‘We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.’ The truth of this verse is timeless: it is truth whether for the past, the present, or the future.