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
Where is that man who has forgotten words that I may have a word with him?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a longing for a deep, meaningful conversation beyond superficiality.
Zhuangzi, a prominent figure in Daoist philosophy, reflects on the nature of communication and understanding. This quote suggests a desire to engage with someone who has transcended the ordinary limitations of language, seeking wisdom and insight that often eludes common discourse. It highlights the idea that true connection comes from shared experiences and deeper thoughts that go beyond mere words.
Themes
CommunicationWisdomUnderstandingWordsConnection
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of authentic connections, this quote can be used to illustrate the value of deep conversations.
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.
ZhuangziRead
When people do not ignore what they should ignore, but ignore what they should not ignore, this is known as ignorance.
ZhuangziRead
The true man of the past waited upon Heaven when dealing with people and did not wait upon people when dealing with Heaven.
ZhuangziRead
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
ZhuangziRead
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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