Shows
Pioneers of AIThe start-up fixing AI's errors, with Invisible Technologies' Francis PedrazaScaling a business means managing redundant tasks that take time and manpower. Through his company, Invisible Technologies, Francis Pedraza is looking to make that process easier by creating a digital assembly line with humans and AI working together. Now, ten years in, Invisible Technologies has worked with major household-name companies to train their AI models and streamline operations. On this episode of Pioneers of AI, we dive into how this assembly line works, the importance of keeping humans in the loop, and Pedraza’s unique funding strategy.Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/...2025-05-0730 min
Moonshots with Peter DiamandisHow to Build & Implement Systems to Grow Your Business w/ Francis Pedraza | EP #106In this episode, Peter and Francis discuss the making of Invisible Technologies, how leadership philosophies can change the outcome, and worldwide talent acquisition.
03:34 | The Rise of Invisible Companies
24:59 | A Fairer Model for Companies
54:40 | Essential Books for Entrepreneurs
Francis Pedraza is an entrepreneur and thought leader, best known as the co-founder and CEO of Invisible Technologies, which leverages human and artificial intelligence to provide scalable business solutions. Under his leadership, Invisible has raised significant funding ($6.6M) with an annual revenue of $336M. Before Invisible, he held internships at Google, served as an a...2024-06-201h 20
Primaria en casaEntrevista Maestra Francis PedrazaEn esta ocasión entrevistó a la maestra Francis Pedraza, youtuber, creadora de contenido y maestra de primaria. Audio de video en vivo2024-05-0447 min
Moonshots with Peter DiamandisAI Panel Discussion Pt. 2 w/ Emad Mostaque, Salim Ismail, Benjamin Plummer, Francis Pedraza, Steve Brown, Guillaume Verdon, David Blundin, Ramin Hasani, and Alexander Amini | EP #97In this episode, recorded during the 2024 Abundance360 Summit, A360 AI faculty discuss the future of AI, when it will take over Hollywood, and the job market. Present in this panel: Emad Mostaque (Founder, Stability AI), Salim Ismail (OpenExO), Benjamin Plummer (CEO, Invisible), Francis Pedraza (Founder, Invisible), Steve Brown (Chief AI Officer, PHD Ventures), Guillaume Verdon (Founder, Extropic), David Blundin (Founder, DataStage), Ramin Hasani (Founder, Liquid AI), and Alexander Amini (Founder, Liquid AI)Learn more about Abundance360: https://www.abundance360.com/summit ____________I only endorse products an...2024-04-1936 min
Plain SightCreativity Unleashed: The New Era of Tech-Enabled DesignThe podcast episode welcomes Anne Dudek, Founder of Rad Studios, and Francis Pedraza, Founder of Invisible and Infinity, to have an enriching conversation about the transformative role of tech-enabled services, with a focus on design and business operations. The guests also present their approach to integrating artificial intelligence and innovative technology to improve operational efficiency, creativity, and business performance. The session further explores the concept of designing Utopia, the constraints of design in addressing real-world problems, and the complex aspect of designing organizational structures. The discussion concludes with a philosophical discourse on the impracticality of a perfect Utopia, emphasizing...2023-11-031h 35
The Dunces' Corner19: Dr. Joe Vukov and A.I. vs. Meat Computing MachinesDr. Vukov/Feast of St. Francis/A.I. and Humanizing Technology or Technologizing Humans/A.I. vs. Meat Computers
Dr. Joe Vukov from Loyola Chicago visits the Dunces' Corner to talk all things Artificial Intelligence and Technology. Josh and Ben join the show. Dr. Vukov shares his conversion from Protestant to atheist to Catholic and the harrowing story of how he became a philosopher. The Dunces talk about whether A.I. is actually intelligent and if the human brain is a mere meat computing machine. Finally, Dr. Pedraza and Dr. Vukov put Rachael, Sr. Ref, Josh, and...2023-10-311h 15
Plain SightThe New Frontier of Social Connections: The Realm RevolutionIntroduction
In a captivating episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Francis Pedraza and Genevieve Kim discuss the intricacies of modern community building and services, focusing on their respective companies: Realm and Invisible. The dialogue traverses a myriad of topics, from the challenges of adult friendships to revolutionizing traditional business operations.
Understanding Realm
What is Realm?
Realm is a platform that facilitates connections among "friendly, ambitious nerds." The goal is to create a sense of home, an extended family if you will, among members.
The Problem Realm Solves
As adults, traditional institutions like schools and...2023-10-271h 45
FYI - For Your InnovationCoordinating Technology and Specialized Labor for Complex Needs with Francis Pedraza
On today’s episode of FYI, Brett Winton welcomes back Francis Pedraza, the founder of Invisible—a company revolutionizing artificial intelligence (AI) training and data labeling across multiple industries. Forget what you know about traditional AI; we’re diving into a world where human relevance is questioned, and black-box technology can execute complex processes at any scale. Francis and Brett explore the ins and outs of scaling a business, the art of strategic resource allocation, and the future of AI-driven automation. This episode has everything from research and development (R&D) investments to aligning worker incentives for optimum efficiency.
...2023-10-261h 09
Plain SightEchoes of Alexandria: Unveiling Edutainment Visions with Zohar Atkins and Francis PedrazaZohar Atkins is the CEO of Lightning and the Chief Culture Officer of Invisible Technologies
Please check out Zohar's work here:
Lightning Manifesto on Substack
Lightning Website
Join the Whataspp group where you can interact with dead people who are way smarter than you
Introduction
In a riveting episode of Plain Sight, Stewart Alsop engages with Zohar Atkins and Francis Pedraza in a deep dive into the realms of social networking, education, tradition, and the harnessing of inspiration likened to lightning. The discussion spirals from the essence of building meaningful platforms to the utopian vision of...2023-10-181h 16
Plain SightTaming Chaos: Navigating Hypergrowth with CosmosIntroduction: In a recent episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Francis Pedraza, the co-founder of Invisible Technologies, shared his journey of pushing boundaries in the business world. Through a fascinating narrative, Pedraza shed light on the ethos and evolution of Invisible Technologies, and his insightful perspective on disrupting traditional business paradigms.
Cosmos is looking for 10 businesses of about 50-150 people to understand more about the problem we are solving and whether our assumptions are accurate. For more on Cosmos please sign up here.
I. Building A New World:
Pedraza emphasizes the essence of...2023-10-121h 45
Plain SightThe Physics of Business: Power Laws inherent to Innovation - Francis PedrazaIn this episode of Plain Sight, we had an enlightening discussion with Francis Pedraza, diving deep into company growth, innovation dilemmas, and the future trajectory of businesses.
The Growth Journey:
At the start of 2022, the company had a run rate of 10 million.
By the end of 2022, this surged to a 25 million run rate.
Come the second half of 2023, there's a projected path to end the year with a 100 million run rate. This implies a 10X journey from January 2024 working back to January 2022, assuming the company reaches the projected 100 million run rate.
Understanding the Innovator's Dilemma:2023-09-061h 08
The Dunces' Corner17: The Eras (Cosmic History) TourEras of Church History/Tay-Tay vs. Mayer/Mouth Sounds
You think Tay Tay's tour is big? Just you wait. Through the powers of the Dunce DeLorean, Catherine takes us to her cave in the desert and drops some St. Anthony on us; Rachael steals some pears with St. Augustine; Dr. Whidden gives you a double dose of monasticism and the One which nothing greater can be conceived; Matt almost dies then riffs on St. Francis and Sister Death; Cameron asks about the good and the difficult with the Angelic and Common Doctor; Dr. Pedraza takes us down...2023-07-211h 12
Management Blueprint | Steve Preda149: Delegate at the Speed of Thought with Francis Pedraza
https://youtu.be/JXNiA0Vnfoc
Francis Pedraza is the CEO of Invisible Technologies, an operations-as-a-service company that works with clients to solve complex scaling challenges and optimize mind-numbing workflows. We discuss ways to delegate at the speed of thought, how to stop wasting time on routine tasks, and the drawbacks of using an outsourcing company.
—
Delegate at the Speed of Thought with Francis Pedraza
Our guest is Francis Pedraza, the CEO of Invisible Technologies, a company that combines outsourcing and automation into one easy to use end-to-end solution. Francis, welcome to the show....2023-06-1220 min
Plain SightPast, Present, and Future of Invisible Technologies: Francis PedrazaThis a special episode where Francis, President of Invisible Technologies will walk us through the past, present and future of Invisible Technologies in his own creative language.
2023-05-0316 min
Courage Over Convention"Invisible" Cure for Mid-Mkt Firm InefficiencySummary
In this episode of Courage over Convention, host Woody Wiegmann discusses the impact of low interest rates and outdated antitrust laws on the rise of corporate monopolies. With examples from Amazon, Microsoft, and AI-driven companies, he explores how these giants have benefited from market conditions and regulatory inaction while highlighting the promising efforts of Invisible Technologies and its CEO, Francis Pedraza.
Keywords
corporate monopolies, antitrust laws, interest rates, Federal Reserve, Amazon, Microsoft, AI, GPT-4, market dominance, monopsony, Invisible Technologies, Francis Pedraza
Transcript
Welcome to Courage over Convention with...2023-03-2310 min
The Nexus IT TechBeat Podcast with Founder/CEO, Earl Foote2:1 The Stone The Investors Rejected - Francis PedrazaAs we kick off the new year, I’m excited to highlight my first TechBeat podcast guest of 2023, Francis Pedraza, founder of Invisible Technologies Inc. Invisible is a B2B productivity startup that allows its users to automate and outsource any complex workflow or business process through its novel technique called Worksharing.Join Francis and Earl on TeachBeat for an engaging conversation on his entrepreneurial journey and learn from how he has built Invisible to over 1000 employees in just 7 years. 2023-02-151h 00
FOMO Sapiens with Patrick J. McGinnisHow Invisible Technologies’ Francis Pedraza is Building a Sui Generis Start-UpInvisible Technologies is not your ordinary start-up. From its radical premise - you can outsource nearly everything - to its contrarian approach to fundraising - which keeps as much of the company for employees as possible - he doesn’t just follow the crowd (or the FOMO). In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Francis unpacks his unique philosophy to building, how past failures (and the lessons learned) shape his approach, and his personal hot take on FOMO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-10-2736 min
Crazy WisdomWhat is the difference between seeking insight and seeking status? - Francis PedrazaWhat is dialogue? What is monologue? How do you have dialgoue with your colleagues? And then engagement? How many corporate retreats have you done? What is a corporate retreat? How do you find perfect deals? What is a perfect deal? How do you deal with the stress from early deals? How do you deal with principal agent dilemma of investors? How do you deal with potential for embarassments? Is honor culture neccesary? Why does it show up in human...2022-09-051h 11
The Thinking Project#231 - Francis Pedraza | How to Crack The Code Of Funding Your BusinessFrancis is the CEO of Invisible, the smart outsourcing and automation platform that enables innovators to grow market share, scale operations, and support their leaders—while creating upward mobility for a global workforce.
Join my Sales Mastermind Group for business owners and sales consultants - https://empatheticselling.com/
Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/UcZBk8Uu3c
Music made by Qü ThaMusic - https://www.quthemusic.net/
The rest of my links to subscribe, support, and access more content - https://linktr.ee/daltonkjensen
For the best health insu...2022-07-2047 min
TribePod - A HR Community PodcastAncient Wisdom for Today's WorkplaceThere is a lot of turmoil in the world today and that is spilling over into the business world. In these interesting times, leaders are looking for policies, ways of doing business, that will make their enterprises prosper. Although inspiration can come from anywhere, Francis Pedraza thinks that ancient wisdom can greatly benefit today's workplace. Questions asked in this podcast include...
What ancient wisdom could CEOs use to manage their workforces?
How do you think the ancient wisdom of stoicism would be received in the workplace today?
Is equity ownership the answer to employee engagement?
Ancient wisdom qu...2022-07-0632 minCrazy WisdomWhat Are the Metaphysics Behind Utopianism? - Francis PedrazaFrancis Pedraza CEO and Cofounder of Invisible How was 2021 NYC like 1929 NYC? Is your business prepared for this recession? How did you prepare for the recession? How does profitability change your business? How do you buy back shares from investors? Ownership pizza pie: how do you convince an investor to buy back shares? How does the Golden age apply to partying on the internet? What is the Xeno paradox? You buy back equity with debt, and fInance with profits. This gets around the “bo...2022-05-231h 09
FYI - For Your InnovationInvisible Technologies with Francis PedrazaInvisible Technologies with Francis Pedraza2021-10-0500 min
FLOW with Arman AssadiFrancis Pedraza | The Renaissance Man Returns: The Limits of ThoughtFrancis Pedraza is the founder of Invisible, an extremely innovative technology startup that provides “work-sharing” as a service, blending outsourcing and automation, so your company or team can efficiently run any business process.My first episode with Francis (episode 25) was one of my personal favorites and I learned an incredible amount. I will warn you, in this episode, we go even deeper down the rabbit hole into some very complex, esoteric topics, which many of you will absolutely love. We break down two spectrums of reality, where we might be going as a society, the purpo...2021-07-201h 25
The Dunces' Corner13: The Franciscan OptionThe Franciscan Option/The Secret of Franciscan Poverty/Emptiness and Humility/Trivia
The Dunces welcome special guest Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, to shed some light on what St. Francis can teach us about renewing the Church and the world today. Dr. Meinert asks about the secret to Franciscan poverty, Avera wants to know how best to empty herself so that God can fill her, and Catherine asks for tips on becoming humble. Fr. Agustino drops copious wisdom on all of us, so buckle up. At the end, the Dunces play a small game of Franciscan Trivia, which...2021-04-211h 18FLOW with Arman AssadiHow to Properly Evaluate Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy theories are nothing new. The question is: how should we process these pieces of information? Chances are, most of us will believe whatever satisfies our preconceived notions, whether true or not...In this episode, you will learn:Intro: Arman opens the podcast stating what today’s episode covers [00:00] Some announcements [00:52]The context of how Arman is going to discuss the topic of conspiracy theories [01:56]On the documentary Zeitgeist: were they rational and logical, or extreme? [02:23]Going back to the original purpose of this episode: the difficulty of staying objective when dealing with conspiracy the...2021-02-2416 min
20MinuteLeadersEp256: Francis Pedraza | Chief Executive Officer, Invisible TechnologiesFrancis leads a team of 300 people and has raised $6M in capital to build Invisible, a disruptive work-automation company that provides custom operations support to scaling businesses. Previously, Francis raised $2.6M from top investors to build Everest, a social network based on “what you do” not “who you know.” He worked briefly in consulting and at Google after studying history at Cornell. People who’ve worked with Francis say his strategy comes from “clear, deep thinking,” that he excels at “building models, communicating vision, and motivating his team.” Most importantly he’s refreshingly honest about success, failures, and his learnings along the...2021-01-1425 min
Crazy WisdomThe Wizard and the Wand: Humans vs AI - Francis PedrazaFrancis is the CEO of Invisible Technologies; a business outsourcing and automation company. On his third appearance on the Crazy Wisdom podcast, we discuss AI, the ideal society, individualism, whether or not AI will conquer humans and so much more. You can reach out to Francis via mail by francis@invisible.email, or on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn at Francis Pedraza (@francispedraza) (1:24 – 10:53) A quick summary of what Invisible Technologies is about, how it works, its incentives, and what it seeks to achieve, as well as a quick narrative of the company’s rocky history, how it evolved into...2020-09-251h 16
China Flexpat#17 Finding Food & Beverage Jobs in China with Daniel PedrazaDaniel is originally from Spain and has been living in China for 8 years. At Eibens Consulting he worked with countless F&B companies in China such as exporters of agricultural products, whole sellers, hotels and restaurants. In this episodes he shares his observations in this fast growing sector and its opportunities for flexpats.
Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljpedraza/
Wanna enter the Chinese market with your F&B products?
Visit https://www.eibens.com2020-08-1523 minFLOW with Arman AssadiFrancis Pedraza | The Renaissance Man: How to Find Truth Through ChaosFrancis is the founder of Invisible, an extremely innovative technology startup that provides "worksharing" as a service, blending outsourcing and automation, so your company or team can efficiently run any business process.Growing up in a family with immigrant roots instilled in him a profound appreciation for the freedom and opportunity we all have to make the most out of this great adventure called life! Through studying history at Cornell and Oxford, and through his own reading in other disciplines, Francis became enamored with the pursuit of human potential, and the promise of emerging technologies i...2020-08-061h 45
The Dunces' Corner6B: I Will Not Leave You OrphansB-Side: I Will Not Leave You Orphans
Fr. Brad Doyle and priestly fatherhood during the coronavirus. Some people are worried that their shepherds have abandoned them. This story tears back the veil.
B-Side episodes bring you a story that gives flesh to a topic talked about in a previous episode. See Episode 5, "We're All Lonely. Together."
Pope Francis' Urbi et Orbi Address: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/urbi-et-orbi-pope-coronavirus-prayer-blessing.html
The Quizzical Papist: https://www.buzzsprout.com/185695
Music Credits:
"At Rest", "Comfortable Mystery 2", "Cottages", "Ever Mindful", "...2020-04-0627 min
The Dunces' Corner3: How to Get the Most Out of Lent (aka have an exce-LENT)Lenten Penances/ Why You Can't Feast without Fasting/ Lenten Would-You-Rather Game
Dr. Pedraza, Dr. Meinert, Brady, Catherine, Hunter, and Trey talk about how to do Mardi Gras, how to avoid haphazard Lenten plans, the four ways you can relate to created goods, and making Lent a training in love. Then they play a Lenten version of "would you rather." Episode comes with a dose of St. Francis and a side of fried squirrel. Oh, and Catherine wants to live in a cave.
Dr. Meinert's article: https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/can-we-feast-unless-we-fast/
Augustine on...2020-02-231h 16
Daily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 81True words aren't eloquent;
eloquent words aren't true.
Wise men don't need to prove their point;
men who need to prove their point aren't wise. The Master has no possessions.
The more he does for others,
the happier he is.
The more he gives to others,
the wealthier he is. The Tao nourishes by not forcing.
By not dominating, the Master leads.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 80If a country is governed wisely,
its inhabitants will be content.
They enjoy the labor of their hands
and don't waste time inventing
labor-saving machines.
Since they dearly love their homes,
they aren't interested in travel.
There may be a few wagons and boats,
but these don't go anywhere.
There may be an arsenal of weapons,
but nobody ever uses them.
People enjoy their food,
take pleasure in being with their families,
spend weekends working in their gardens,
delight in the doings of the neighborhood.
And even though the next country is so close
that people can hear its roosters...2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 79Failure is an opportunity.
If you blame someone else,
there is no end to the blame. Therefore the Master
fulfills her own obligations
and corrects her own mistakes.
She does what she needs to do
and demands nothing of others.2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 78Nothing in the world
is as soft and yielding as water.
Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible,
nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard;
the gentle overcomes the rigid.
Everyone knows this is true,
but few can put it into practice. Therefore the Master remains
serene in the midst of sorrow.
Evil cannot enter his heart.
Because he has given up helping,
he is people's greatest help. True words seem paradoxical.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 77As it acts in the world, the Tao
is like the bending of a bow.
The top is bent downward;
the bottom is bent up.
It adjusts excess and deficiency
so that there is perfect balance.
It takes from what is too much
and give to what isn't enough. Those who try to control,
who use force to protect their power,
go against the direction of the Tao.
They take from those who don't have enough
and give to those who have far too much. The Master can keep giving
because there is no end to her wealth.
She acts...2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 76Men are born soft and supple;
dead, they are stiff and hard.
Plats are born tender and pliant;
dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible
is a disciple of death.
Whoever is soft and yielding
is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken.
The soft and supple will prevail.2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 75When taxes are too high,
people go hungry.
When the government is too intrusive,
people lose their spirit. Act for the people's benefit.
Trust them; leave them alone.2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 74If you realize that all things change,
there is nothing you will try to hold on to.
If you aren't afraid of dying,
there is nothing you can't achieve. Trying to control the future
is like trying to take the master carpenter's place.
When you handle the master carpenter's tools, chances are that you'll cut your hand.2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 73The Tao is always at ease.
It overcomes without competing,
answers without speaking a word,
arrives without being summoned,
accomplishes without a plan. Its net covers the whole universe.
And though its meshes are wide,
it doesn't let a thing slip through.2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 72When they lose their sense of awe,
people turn to religion.
When they no longer trust themselves,
they begin to depend upon authority. Therefore the Master steps back
so that people won't be confused.
He teaches without a teaching,
so that people will have nothing to learn.2019-10-2952 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 71Not-knowing is true knowledge.
Presuming to know is a disease.
First realize that you are sick;
then you can move toward health. The Master is her own physician.
She has healed herself of all knowing.
Thus she is truly whole.2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 70My teachings are easy to understand
and easy to put into practice.
Yet your intellect will never grasp them,
and if you try to practice them, you'll fail. My teachings are older than the world.
How can you grasp their meaning? If you want to know me,
look inside your heart.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 69The generals have a saying:
"Rather than make the first move
it is better to wait and see.
Rather than advance an inch
it is better to retreat a yard." This is called
going forward without advancing,
pushing back without using weapons. There is no greater misfortune
than underestimating your enemy.
Underestimating your enemy
means thinking that he is evil.
Thus you destroy your three treasures
and become an enemy yourself. When two great forces oppose each other,
the victory will go
to the one that knows how to yield.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 68The best athlete
wants his opponent at his best.
The best general
enters the mind of his enemy.
The best businessman
serves the communal good.
The best leader
follows the will of the people. All of the embody
the virtue of non-competition.
Not that they don't love to compete,
but they do it in the spirit of play.
In this they are like children
and in harmony with the Tao.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 66 & 6766
All streams flow to the sea
because it is lower than they are.
Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people,
you must place yourself below them.
If you want to lead the people,
you must learn how to follow them. The Master is above the people,
and no one feels oppressed.
She goes ahead of the people,
and no one feels manipulated.
The whole world is grateful to her.
Because she competes with no one,
no one can compete with her.
67
Some say that my teaching is nonsense.
Others call it lofty but impractical.
But...2019-10-2902 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 65The ancient Masters
didn't try to educate the people,
but kindly taught them to not-know. When they think that they know the answers,
people are difficult to guide.
When they know that they don't know,
people can find their own way. If you want to learn how to govern,
avoid being clever or rich.
The simplest pattern is the clearest.
Content with an ordinary life,
you can show all people the way
back to their own true nature.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 64What is rooted is easy to nourish.
What is recent is easy to correct.
What is brittle is easy to break.
What is small is easy to scatter. Prevent trouble before it arises.
Put things in order before they exist.
The giant pine tree
grows from a tiny sprout.
The journey of a thousand miles
starts from beneath your feet. Rushing into action, you fail.
Trying to grasp things, you lose them.
Forcing a project to completion,
you ruin what was almost ripe. Therefore the Master takes action
by letting things take their course.
He remains as calm
at the...2019-10-2902 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 63Act without doing;
work without effort.
Think of the small as large
and the few as many.
Confront the difficult
while it is still easy;
accomplish the great task
by a series of small acts. The Master never reaches for the great;
thus she achieves greatness.
When she runs into a difficulty,
she stops and gives herself to it.
She doesn't cling to her own comfort;
thus problems are no problem for her.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 62The Tao is the center of the universe,
the good man's treasure,
the bad man's refuge. Honors can be bought with fine words,
respect can be won with good deeds;
but the Tao is beyond all value,
and no one can achieve it. Thus, when a new leader is chosen,
don't offer to help him
with your wealth or your expertise.
Offer instead
to teach him about the Tao. Why did the ancient Masters esteem the Tao?
Because, being one with the Tao,
when you seek, you find;
and when you make a mistake, you are forgiven.
That is why...2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 61When a country obtains great power,
it becomes like the sea:
all streams run downward into it.
The more powerful it grows,
the greater the need for humility.
Humility means trusting the Tao,
thus never needing to be defensive. A great nation is like a great man:
When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.
Having realized it, he admits it.
Having admitted it, he corrects it.
He considers those who point out his faults
as his most benevolent teachers.
He thinks of his enemy
as the shadow that he himself casts. If a nation is centered in the Tao,
...2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 60Governing a large country
is like frying a small fish.
You spoil it with too much poking. Center your country in the Tao
and evil will have no power.
Not that it isn't there,
but you'll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose
and it will disappear by itself.2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 59For governing a country well
there is nothing better than moderation. The mark of a moderate man
is freedom from his own ideas.
Tolerant like the sky,
all-pervading like sunlight,
firm like a mountain,
supple like a tree in the wind,
he has no destination in view
and makes use of anything
life happens to bring his way. Nothing is impossible for him.
Because he has let go,
he can care for the people's welfare
as a mother cares for her child.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 58If a country is governed with tolerance,
the people are comfortable and honest.
If a country is governed with repression,
the people are depressed and crafty. When the will to power is in charge,
the higher the ideals, the lower the results.
Try to make people happy,
and you lay the groundwork for misery.
Try to make people moral,
and you lay the groundwork for vice. Thus the Master is content
to serve as an example
and not to impose her will.
She is pointed, but doesn't pierce.
Straightforward, but supple.
Radiant, but easy on the eyes.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 57If you want to be a great leader,
you must learn to follow the Tao.
Stop trying to control.
Let go of fixed plans and concepts,
and the world will govern itself. The more prohibitions you have,
the less virtuous people will be.
The more weapons you have,
the less secure people will be.
The more subsidies you have,
the less self-reliant people will be. Therefore the Master says:
I let go of the law,
and people become honest.
I let go of economics,
and people become prosperous.
I let go of religion,
and people become serene.
I let go...2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 56Those who know don't talk.
Those who talk don't know. Close your mouth,
block off your senses,
blunt your sharpness,
untie your knots,
soften your glare,
settle your dust.
This is the primal identity. Be like the Tao.
It can't be approached or withdrawn from,
benefited or harmed,
honored or brought into disgrace.
It gives itself up continually.
That is why it endures.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 55He who is in harmony with the Tao
is like a newborn child.
Its bones are soft, its muscles are weak,
but its grip is powerful.
It doesn't know about the union
of male and female,
yet its penis can stand erect,
so intense is its vital power.
It can scream its head off all day,
yet it never becomes hoarse,
so complete is its harmony. The Master's power is like this.
He lets all things come and go
effortlessly, without desire.
He never expects results;
thus he is never disappointed.
He is never disappointed;
thus his spirit never grows...2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 54Whoever is planted in the Tao
will not be rooted up.
Whoever embraces the Tao
will not slip away.
Her name will be held in honor
from generation to generation. Let the Tao be present in your life
and you will become genuine.
Let it be present in your family
and your family will flourish.
Let it be present in your country
and your country will be an example
to all countries in the world.
Let it be present in the universe
and the universe will sing. How do I know this is true?
By looking inside myself.2019-10-2908 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 53The great Way is easy,
yet people prefer the side paths.
Be aware when things are out of balance.
Stay centered within the Tao. When rich speculators prosper
While farmers lose their land;
when government officials spend money
on weapons instead of cures;
when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible
while the poor have nowhere to turn-
all this is robbery and chaos.
It is not in keeping with the Tao.2019-10-2900 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 52Just as when you walk you are careful not to step on a nail or injure your foot, you should similarly take the utmost care not to in any way impair the highest faculty of your mind. The virtuous life depends on reason first and foremost. If you safeguard your reason, it will safeguard you.2019-10-2901 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 51Every being in the universe
is an expression of the Tao.
It springs into existence,
unconscious, perfect, free,
takes on a physical body,
lets circumstances complete it.
That is why every being
spontaneously honors the Tao. The Tao gives birth to all beings,
nourishes them, maintains them,
cares for them, comforts them, protects them,
takes them back to itself,
creating without possessing,
acting without expecting,
guiding without interfering.
That is why love of the Tao
is in the very nature of things.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 50The Master gives himself up
to whatever the moment brings.
He knows that he is going to die,
and he has nothing left to hold on to:
no illusions in his mind,
no resistances in his body.
He doesn't think about his actions;
they flow from the core of his being.
He holds nothing back from life;
therefore he is ready for death,
as a man is ready for sleep
after a good day's work.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 49The Master has no mind of her own.
She works with the mind of the people. She is good to people who are good.
She is also good to people who aren't good.
This is true goodness. She trusts people who are trustworthy.
She also trusts people who aren't trustworthy.
This is true trust. The Master's mind is like space.
People don't understand her.
They look to her and wait. She treats them like her own children.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 48In pursuit of knowledge,
every day something is added.
In the practice of the Tao,
every day something is dropped.
Less and less do you need to force things,
until finally you arrive at non-action.
When nothing is done,
nothing is left undone. True mastery can be gained
by letting things go their own way.
It can't be gained by interfering.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 47Without opening your door,
you can open your heart to the world.
Without looking out your window,
you can see the essence of the Tao. The more you know,
the less you understand. The Master arrives without leaving,
sees the light without looking,
achieves without doing a thing.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 46When a country is in harmony with the Tao,
the factories make trucks and tractors.
When a country goes counter to the Tao,
warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. There is no greater illusion than fear,
no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself,
no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through all fear
will always be safe.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 45True perfection seems imperfect,
yet it is perfectly itself.
True fullness seems empty,
yet it is fully present. True straightness seems crooked.
True wisdom seems foolish.
True art seems artless. The Master allows things to happen.
She shapes events as they come.
She steps out of the way
and lets the Tao speak for itself.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 44Fame or integrity: which is more important?
Money or happiness: which is more valuable?
Success of failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment,
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money,
you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 43The gentlest thing in the world
overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
That which has no substance
enters where there is no space.
This shows the value of non-action. Teaching without words,
performing without actions:
that is the Master's way.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 42The Tao gives birth to One.
One gives birth to Two.
Two gives birth to Three.
Three gives birth to all things. All things have their backs to the female
and stand facing the male.
When male and female combine,
all things achieve harmony. Ordinary men hate solitude.
But the Master makes use of it,
embracing his aloneness, realizing
he is one with the whole universe.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 41When a superior man hears of the Tao,
he immediately begins to embody it.
When an average man hears of the Tao,
he half believes it, half doubts it.
When a foolish man hears of the Tao,
he laughs out loud.
If he didn't laugh,
it wouldn't be the Tao. Thus it is said:
The path into the light seems dark,
the path forward seems to go back,
the direct path seems long,
true power seems weak,
true purity seems tarnished,
true steadfastness seems changeable,
true clarity seems obscure,
the greatest are seems unsophisticated,
the greatest love seems indifferent,
the...2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 40Return is the movement of the Tao.
Yielding is the way of the Tao. All things are born of being.
Being is born of non-being.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 39In harmony with the Tao,
the sky is clear and spacious,
the earth is solid and full,
all creature flourish together,
content with the way they are,
endlessly repeating themselves,
endlessly renewed. When man interferes with the Tao,
the sky becomes filthy,
the earth becomes depleted,
the equilibrium crumbles,
creatures become extinct. The Master views the parts with compassion,
because he understands the whole.
His constant practice is humility.
He doesn't glitter like a jewel
but lets himself be shaped by the Tao,
as rugged and common as stone.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 38The Master doesn't try to be powerful;
thus he is truly powerful.
The ordinary man keeps reaching for power;
thus he never has enough. The Master does nothing,
yet he leaves nothing undone.
The ordinary man is always doing things,
yet many more are left to be done. The kind man does something,
yet something remains undone.
The just man does something,
and leaves many things to be done.
The moral man does something,
and when no one responds
he rolls up his sleeves and uses force. When the Tao is lost, there is goodness.
When goodness is lost, there...2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 37The Tao never does anything,
yet through it all things are done. If powerful men and women
could venter themselves in it,
the whole world would be transformed
by itself, in its natural rhythms.
People would be content
with their simple, everyday lives,
in harmony, and free of desire. When there is no desire,
all things are at peace.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 36If you want to shrink something,
you must first allow it to expand.
If you want to get rid of something,
you must first allow it to flourish.
If you want to take something,
you must first allow it to be given.
This is called the subtle perception
of the way things are. The soft overcomes the hard.
The slow overcomes the fast.
Let your workings remain a mystery.
Just show people the results.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 35She who is centered in the Tao
can go where she wishes, without danger.
She perceives the universal harmony,
even amid great pain,
because she has found peace in her heart. Music or the smell of good cooking
may make people stop and enjoy.
But words that point to the Tao
seem monotonous and without flavor.
When you look for it, there is nothing to see.
When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear.
When you use it, it is inexhaustible.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 34The great Tao flows everywhere.
All things are born from it,
yet it doesn't create them.
It pours itself into its work,
yet it makes no claim.
It nourishes infinite worlds,
yet it doesn't hold on to them.
Since it is merged with all things
and hidden in their hearts,
it can be called humble.
Since all things vanish into it
and it alone endures,
it can be called great.
It isn't aware of its greatness;
thus it is truly great.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 33Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center
and embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 32The Tao can't be perceived.
Smaller than an electron,
it contains uncountable galaxies. If powerful men and women
could remain centered in the Tao,
all things would be in harmony.
The world would become a paradise.
All people would be at peace,
and the law would be written in their hearts. When you have names and forms,
know that they are provisional.
When you have institutions,
know where their functions should end.
Knowing when to stop,
you can avoid any danger. All things end in the Tao
as rivers flow into the sea.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 31Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them. Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value.
If the peace has been shattered,
how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons,
but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men? He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great...2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 30Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
doesn't try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned,
always rebounds upon oneself. The Master does his job
and then stops.
He understands that the universe
is forever out of control,
and that trying to dominate events
goes against the current of the Tao.
Because he believes in himself,
he doesn't try to convince others.
Because he is content with himself,
he doesn't need others' approval.
Because he accepts himself,
the whole world accepts him.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 29Do you want to improve the world?
I don't think it can be done. The world is sacred.
It can't be improved.
If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it.
If you treat it like an object, you'll lose it. There is a time for being ahead,
a time for being behind;
a time for being in motion,
a time for being at rest;
a time for being vigorous,
a time for being exhausted;
a time for being safe,
a time for being in danger. The Master sees things as they are,
without trying to control them.
She lets them...2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 28Know the male,
yet keep to the female:
receive the world in your arms.
If you receive the world,
the Tao will never leave you
and you will be like a little child. Know the white,
yet keep to the black:
be a pattern for the world.
If you are a pattern for the world,
the Tao will be strong inside you
and there will be nothing you can't do. Know the personal,
yet keep to the impersonal:
accept the world as it is.
If you accept the world,
the Tao will be luminous inside you
and you will return...2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 27A good traveler has no fixed plans
and is not intent upon arriving.
A good artist lets his intuition
lead him wherever it wants.
A good scientist has freed himself of concepts
and keeps his mind open to what is. Thus the Master is available to all people
and doesn't reject anyone.
He is ready to use all situations
and doesn't waste anything.
This is called embodying the light. What is a good man but a bad man's teacher?
What is a bad man but a good man's job?
If you don't understand this, you will get lost,
however intelligent...2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 26The heavy is the root of the light.
The unmoved is the source of all movement. Thus the Master travels all day
without leaving home.
However splendid the views,
she stays serenely in herself. Why should the lord of the country
flit about like a fool?
If you let yourself be blown to and fro,
you lose touch with your root.
If you let restlessness move you,
you lose touch with who you are.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 24 & 2524
He who stands on tiptoe
doesn't stand firm.
He who rushes ahead
doesn't go far.
He who tries to shine
dims his own light.
He who defines himself
can't know who he really is.
He who has power over others
can't empower himself.
He who clings to his work
will create nothing that endures. If you want to accord with the Tao, just do your job, then let go.
25
There was something formless and perfect
before the universe was born.
It is serene. Empty.
Solitary. Unchanging.
Infinite. Eternally present.
It is the mother of the universe.
For lack of a...2019-10-2803 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 23Express yourself completely,
then keep quiet.
Be like the forces of nature:
when it blows, there is only wind;
when it rains, there is only rain;
when the clouds pass, the sun shines through. If you open yourself to the Tao,
you are at one with the Tao
and you can embody it completely.
If you open yourself to insight,
you are at one with insight
and you can use it completely.
If you open yourself to loss,
you are at one with loss
and you can accept it completely. Open yourself to the Tao,
then trust your natural responses;
...2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 22If you want to become whole,
let yourself be partial.
If you want to become straight,
let yourself be crooked.
If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.
If you want to be reborn,
let yourself die.
If you want to be given everything,
give everything up. The Master, by residing in the Tao,
sets an example for all beings.
Because he doesn't display himself,
people can see his light.
Because he has nothing to prove,
people can trust his words.
Because he doesn't know who he is,
people recognize themselves in him.
Because he has no goad...2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 21The Master keeps her mind
always at one with the Tao;
that is what gives her her radiance. The Tao is ungraspable.
How can her mind be at one with it?
Because she doesn't cling to ideas. The Tao is dark and unfathomable.
How can it make her radiant?
Because she lets it. Since before time and space were,
the Tao is.
It is beyond is and is not.
How do I know this is true?
I look inside myself and see.2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 20Stop thinking, and end your problems.
What difference between yes and no?
What difference between success and failure?
Must you value what others value,
avoid what others avoid?
How ridiculous! Other people are excited,
as though they were at a parade.
I alone don't care,
I alone am expressionless,
like an infant before it can smile. Other people have what they need;
I alone possess nothing.
I alone drift about,
like someone without a home.
I am like an idiot, my mind is so empty. Other people are bright;
I alone am dark.
Other people are sharper;
I alone am...2019-10-2801 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 19Throw away holiness and wisdom,
and people will be a hundred times happier.
Throw away morality and justice,
and people will do the right thing.
Throw away industry and profit,
and there won't be any thieves. If these three aren't enough,
just stay at the center of the circle
and let all things take their course.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 18When the great Tao is forgotten,
goodness and piety appear.
When the body's intelligence declines,
cleverness and knowledge step forth.
When there is no peace in the family,
filial piety begins.
When the country falls into chaos,
patriotism is born.2019-10-2800 minDaily Readings of FJPLao Tzu Tao Te Ching 17When the Master governs, the people
are hardly aware that he exists.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
Next, one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised. If you don't trust the people,
you make them untrustworthy. The Master doesn't talk, he acts.
When his work is done,
the people say, "Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!"2019-10-2800 min
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