“Nurturing without possession”
This is an injunction not to become possessive of those you love or help. You own nothing in this life. You don’t even own yourself – how much less so other people! Helping and nurturing people does not make you their proprietor. Hence, non-interference is a tenet all Taoists hold dear. Don’t meddle in the affairs of others. Take advantage of the right conditions, or let them come to you when they are ready. You cannot change people by force – only through patience, compassion, receptivity and flexibility. These are qualities Taoists all hold sacred.
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