QuoteProject
Men honor what lies within the sphere of their knowledge, but do not realize how dependent they are on what lies beyond it.
Zhuangzi
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the limitations of human knowledge and the importance of acknowledging the unknown.

Zhuangzi's quote reflects on the nature of human understanding and the often unrecognized dependence on knowledge that lies beyond our immediate comprehension. It suggests that while people tend to value what they know, they fail to appreciate the vastness of what remains unknown and how this shapes their existence and understanding of the world.

Themes

KnowledgeIgnoranceDependenceWisdomUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the nature of science and discovery.

More from Zhuangzi

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
Either 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

Similar quotes

I remember when people used to think I was smart. I remember when people used to think my brain was useful. Damaged by water, sure. And ready to seizure at any moment. But still useful, and maybe even a little bit beautiful and sacred and magical.
Sherman AlexieRead
Intelligence, integrity and courage are the great pillars that support the State. Above all, the citizens of a free nation should honor the brave and independent man - the man of stainless integrity, of will and intellectual force.
Robert Green IngersollRead
The most powerful way to manifest is through subtle intention and choiceless awareness-inten d to let go and flow.
Deepak ChopraRead
Science gives us knowledge, but only philosophy can give us wisdom.
Will DurantRead
Learning to be silent is far more difficult and far more important than learning to recite prayers.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I Of ConstantinopleRead
No matter how bad any situation, cynicism has no positive impact. Watching the news, you might notice that cynicism and victimhood often seem to go hand-in-hand, but not for veterans.
Jim MattisRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.