If our impulses were confined to hunger, thirst, and desire, we might be nearly free; but now we are moved by every wind that blows and a chance word or scene that that word may convey to us.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyRead
Realization is not knowledge about the universe, but the living experience of the nature of the universe. Until we have such living experience, we remain dependent on examples, and subject to their limits.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True realization comes from lived experiences rather than mere knowledge.
This quote by Namkhai Norbu emphasizes that understanding the universe is rooted in direct experience rather than theoretical knowledge. Without personal experiences that illuminate the nature of existence, we are confined to learning from others, which can restrict our comprehension and limit our potential for growth and insight.
Themes
RealizationExperienceKnowledgeUniverseLimits
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy discussion about the nature of existence.
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