“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”
– Laozi
While the power of self-acceptance is expressed in various forms of media on a constant basis, the actual process and belief in who or what we are as an individual has been steadily destroyed in society. Rather than put emphasis on growing who we are as a people, we are urged to conform to look at others for acceptance. From family, to potential and current friends, to the stars that are idolized and ostracized, the bombardment of superficiality and false personal growth is almost too much to bear. But in truth, the only way to be accepted by others is by accepting who you are.
Lao Tzu understood and wanted others to realize that the path to acceptance in this world is a singular mission. We cannot find true approval or contentment through the approval of others, but only through ourselves. This is the mindset we must establish to truly become the people we want to be.
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