When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness and inspiration cannot be fully understood through analysis alone.
This quote by Anthony De Mello emphasizes that the essence of genius, whether in music, poetry, or creation, transcends mere analysis of its components. It suggests that understanding the deeper layers of inspiration and divinity requires a holistic perspective rather than a strict examination of individual elements, as true meaning lies beyond the tangible and analytical.
Themes
GeniusInspirationCreationAnalysisArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about creativity, you might say, 'As Anthony De Mello points out, the genius of a composer cannot be fully understood through just analyzing the notes.'
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes →Perfect love casts out fear. Where there is love there are no demands, no expectations, no dependency. I do not demand that you make me happy; my happiness does not lie in you. If you were to leave me, I will not feel sorry for myself; I enjoy your company immensely, but I do not cling.
Anthony De MelloRead
The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
Anthony De MelloRead
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
Those who make no mistakes are making the biggest mistakes of all - they are attempting nothing new.
Anthony De MelloRead
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