The hearing that is only in the ears is one thing. The hearing of the understanding is another. But the hearing of the spirit is not limited to any one faculty to the ear, or to the mind.
ZhuangziRead
He who knows he is a fool is not the biggest fool; He who knows he is confused is not in the worst confusion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Recognizing one's own ignorance or confusion is a sign of wisdom, rather than foolishness.
This quote by Zhuangzi suggests that awareness of one's own limitations is a form of wisdom. It highlights the idea that those who acknowledge their lack of knowledge or understanding are in a better position than those who are unaware and thus more deeply entrenched in ignorance. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in personal growth and understanding.
Themes
WisdomIgnoranceAwarenessSelf-AwarenessKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a philosophy class discussion about the nature of wisdom and knowledge.
More from Zhuangzi
All quotes βEither in conflict with others or in harmony with them, we go through life like a runaway horse, unable to stop.
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When people do not ignore what they should ignore, but ignore what they should not ignore, this is known as ignorance.
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The true man of the past waited upon Heaven when dealing with people and did not wait upon people when dealing with Heaven.
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The mind remains undetermined in the great Void. Here the highest knowledge is unbounded. That which gives things their thusness cannot be delimited by things. So when we speak of 'limits', we remain confined to limited things. The limit of the unlimited is called 'fullness.' The limitlessness of the limited is called 'emptiness.' Tao is the source of both. But it is itself neither fullness nor emptiness
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All the fish needs is to get lost in the water. All man needs is to get lost in Tao.
ZhuangziRead
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Her curiosity instructed her more than the answers she was given.
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