The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
What you are you do not see, what you see is your shadow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that our true selves are often hidden, and what we perceive is merely a reflection or shadow of our inner self.
Rabindranath Tagore's quote highlights the distinction between our true essence and the superficial image we portray or perceive in the world. It implies that what we see in ourselves and others may not be the full reality, suggesting a deeper exploration of identity, perception, and the nature of existence. Our 'shadow' can represent our flaws, insecurities, or societal masks that we wear, urging us to look beyond appearances to understand our true selves and others.
Themes
SelfPerceptionIdentityShadowEssenceReflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about self-discovery and personal growth.
More from Rabindranath Tagore
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True deliverance of man is the deliverance from Avidya i.e. ignorance. It is not in destroying anything that is positive and real, for that cannot be possible, but that which is negative, which obstructs our vision of truth.
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The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures. It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.
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If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.
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To be outspoken is easy when you do not wait to speak the complete truth.
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