"He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still"

This quote by Lao Tzu talks to the power of self-discipline and mastery. It recommends that while it might be easy to manage and manipulate others, it is much more challenging to manage and master oneself. This is because it requires a lot of discipline and self-awareness to be able to recognize and manage one's own ideas, feelings, and behaviors. It is only through this kind of self-mastery that one can really end up being effective.

The quote also indicates that those who have actually mastered themselves are mightier than those who manage others. This is due to the fact that those who have actually mastered themselves have a greater understanding of their own strengths and weak points, and are better able to use them to their advantage. They are also better able to acknowledge and handle their own emotions, and are less likely to be swayed by the feelings of others.

Eventually, this quote functions as a reminder that real power originates from within. It is only through self-mastery that a person can end up being really powerful and effective.