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
When people do not ignore what they should ignore, but ignore what they should not ignore, this is known as ignorance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ignorance arises when people fail to discern between what deserves attention and what does not.
This quote by Zhuangzi underscores the importance of critical thinking and awareness in our lives. It suggests that true ignorance stems from our tendency to overlook significant matters while focusing on trivial ones, highlighting the need for discernment in our choices and actions to cultivate a richer understanding of the world around us.
Themes
IgnoranceAwarenessDiscernmentDecision MakingPerception
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about societal issues, this quote can emphasize the necessity of acknowledging important problems rather than ignoring them.
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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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.
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Where is that man who has forgotten words that I may have a word with him?
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