Real understanding does not come from what we learn in books; it comes from what we learn from love of nature, of music, of man. For only what is learned in that way is truly understood.
Interpretation
True understanding arises from experiences and passions rather than just academic knowledge.
Pablo Casals emphasizes that genuine understanding transcends mere intellectual learning. He suggests that the deeper insights about life, humanity, and the world stem from our love for nature, art, and interpersonal relationships, highlighting that emotional and experiential learning leads to true comprehension.
In practice
In a speech about environmental conservation, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of connecting with nature.
Bach is the supreme genius of music... This man, who knows everything and feels everything, cannot write one note, however unimportant it may appear, which is anything but transcendent. He has reached the heart of every noble thought, and has done it in the most perfect way.
In music, in the sea, in a flower, in a leaf, in an act of kindness... I see what people call God in all these things.
The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?
The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.
I am an old man but in many senses a very young man. And this is what I want you to be, young, young all your life.
To the whole world you might be just one person, but to one person you might just be the whole world.
People with a high level of personal mastery are able to consistently realize the results that matter most deeply to them-in effect, they approach their life as an artist would approach a work of art. The do that by becoming committed to their own lifelong learning.
The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth.
The mind always functions in an eccentric way, the mind is always an idiot. The really intelligent person has no mind. Intelligence arises out of no-mind, idiocy out of the mind. Mind is idiotic, no-mind is wise. No-mind is wisdom, intelligence. Mind depends on knowledge, on methods, on money, on experience, on this and that. Mind always needs props, it needs supports, it cannot exist on its own. On its own, it flops.
By looking up, by raising our eyes above our limited horizon, we are more likely to perceive the blessings hidden in affliction.
Our greatest duty and our main responsibility is to help others. But please, if you can't help them, would you please not hurt them.
The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up.
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