But Chinese civilization has the overpowering beauty of the wholly other, and only the wholly other can inspire the deepest love and the profoundest desire to learn.
Interpretation
Chinese civilization offers unique beauty that sparks deep love and a desire for knowledge.
In this quote, Joseph Needham emphasizes the profound impact of Chinese civilization on individuals, suggesting that its distinct beauty captivates the heart and inspires a desire for understanding. This 'wholly other' quality refers to cultural aspects that are vastly different from one's own, invoking admiration and motivating a pursuit of knowledge about the unfamiliar.
In practice
In a lecture about cultural appreciation, one could use this quote to highlight the value of learning from other civilizations.
There are many ways to calm a negative energy without suppressing or fighting it. You recognize it, you smile to it, and you invite something nicer to come up and replace it; you read some inspiring words, you listen to a piece of beautiful music, you go somewhere in nature, or you do some walking meditation.
A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God (James 1:2-4).
Take a chance on faith - not religion, but faith. Not hope, but faith. I donβt believe in hope. Hope is a beggar. Hope walks through the fire. Faith leaps over it.
Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language.
Don't grumble! Don't stew! Some critters are much-much, Oh, ever so much-much So muchly much-much more unlucky than you!
The strength of a theory is not what it allows, but what it prohibits; if you can invent an equally persuasive explanation for any outcome, you have zero knowledge.
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