Has there ever been a society which has died of dissent? Several have died of conformity in our lifetime.
Jacob BronowskiRead
Ask an impertinent question and you are on the way to the pertinent answer.
Interpretation
Asking bold or challenging questions can lead to valuable insights and answers.
This quote emphasizes the importance of inquiry in the pursuit of knowledge. Jacob Bronowski suggests that when we dare to ask questions that may seem inappropriate or challenging, we open the door to deeper understanding and critical thinking, ultimately guiding ourselves towards pertinent answers that may not have been obvious before.
In practice
During a workshop, you might say this quote to encourage participants to think outside the box.
Has there ever been a society which has died of dissent? Several have died of conformity in our lifetime.
There is no absolute knowledge. And those who claim it, whether they are scientists or dogmatists, open the door to tragedy.
To me the most interesting thing about man is that he is an animal who practices art and science and in every known society practices both together.
A man becomes creative, whether he is an artist or scientist, when he finds a new unity in the variety of nature. He does so by finding a likeness between things which were not thought alike before.
The values by which we are to survive are not rules for just and unjust conduct, but are those deeper illuminations in whose light justice and injustice, good and evil, means and ends are seen in fearful sharpness of outline.
The basis for poetry and scientific discovery is the ability to comprehend the unlike in the like and the like in the unlike.
Men become wise just as they become rich, more by what they save than by what they receive.
Let us resolve: First, to attain the grace of silence; second, to deem all fault finding that does no good a sin; third, to practice the grade and virtue of praise.
The humblest praise most, while cranks & malcontents praise least. Praise almost seems to be inner health made audible
The 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.
I know of no case where a man added to his dignity by standing on it.
Some wounds run too deep for the healing.
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