Because he does not compete, the world cannot compete with him.

Only by not competing can one avoid being competed against by the world.

This is a classic saying from the Tao Te Ching. Some interpret it as "not competing with others, so no one in the world can compete with him." It speaks of having no desires, thus being strong, being able to bend and endure, and not competing with others, so no one in the world can compete with him.

In my view, this interpretation lacks a bit of meaning and sounds a bit self-pitying. What I believe is that I have my own pursuits, which are different from others and surpass them, so I do not compete with them. They cannot compete with me. Laozi, in writing this, wanted to express that I am competing for the Way of Heaven, while you are competing for the Way of Man. I have already surpassed you; I do not compete with you, and you cannot compete with me.

To illustrate with my investments: I buy excellent companies within my circle of competence at reasonable prices and hold them for the long term. I do not compete with investors who chase after rising prices or panic sell, nor do I care about mainstream or imitation currencies, because my pursuit is for a better future. As long as the future develops positively and the companies also progress well, that is sufficient. Whether Bitcoin is more convoluted or more volatile than US stocks is irrelevant; as long as the future remains favorable, it is okay. A little convoluted and more volatile does not matter as we can still reach our goals. I do not compete with volatility, but all upward trends belong to me. This is how I do not compete with them, yet I can attain all their pursuits. It is not about not competing but competing at a higher level. While they fight fiercely for trivial things, we just need to wait for time to realize our value.