The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
that which is eternal within the moment only becomes shallow if spread out in time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Eternal truths lose their depth when over-analyzed or stretched over time.
This quote by Rabindranath Tagore suggests that the essence of eternal truths or experiences is best understood and appreciated in the immediacy of a moment. When we try to dissect or prolong these moments too much, they can appear superficial, losing their profound significance. It encourages us to appreciate the richness of experiences as they occur, rather than trying to extend or manipulate them artificially.
Themes
EternalMomentTimeDepthExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about mindfulness, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of living in the moment.
More from Rabindranath Tagore
All quotes βMusic fills the infinite between two souls. This has been muffled by the mist of our daily habits.
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True deliverance of man is the deliverance from Avidya i.e. ignorance. It is not in destroying anything that is positive and real, for that cannot be possible, but that which is negative, which obstructs our vision of truth.
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The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures. It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
To be outspoken is easy when you do not wait to speak the complete truth.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
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