bythemethod.com blog

Quote:

The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.
Lao-Tzu

Quite a long time ago I used to work in the Construction Industry. This involved drawing steelwork for others to fabricate into buildings. One of those issues with building that always fastinated me was the way that some seamingly very weak things could overcome the ver strong.

For instance a small plant can force it’s way through concrete. Oxygene can slowly destroy steel. A little water getting to some reinforcement inside concrete can bring a bridge or building crashing down.

We are constantly being bombarded with images of strength. We are often impressed by the people who seem to be the toughest and assume that only the tough can succeed.

This is simply not true. In fact the truth that wise people have often tried to tell us is that the soft can overcome the hardest things.

If you feel soft compared to others who seem hard and invincible then don’t let that put you off. Don’t be persuaded that it is better to be hard.

Also if you face a problem that seems to you to be so tough that you will never overcome it then think again. It is the soft things that overcome the hard. Caves are carved through rock by something as soft as water.

If you feel things are getting tough then keep going. With persistance even the toughest of problems can be overcome.