The way to see what looks good and understand the reasons it looks good, and to be at one with this goodness as the work proceeds, is to cultivate an inner quietness, a peace of mind so that goodness can shine through.
Robert M. PirsigRead
When a shepherd goes to kill a wolf, and takes his dog to see the sport, he should take care to avoid mistakes. The dog has certain relationships to the wolf the shepherd may have forgotten.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding relationships and perspectives before making decisions.
Robert M. Pirsig's quote explores the dynamics between a shepherd, a dog, and a wolf, suggesting that the shepherd must recognize the dog's bond with the wolf. It serves as a reminder that our actions and choices can have unintended consequences, especially when we overlook the perspectives and relationships of those involved.
Themes
RelationshipsPerspectiveUnderstandingConsequencesDecision-Making
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about teamwork, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of considering different perspectives.
More from Robert M. Pirsig
All quotes →When analytic thought, the knife, is applied to experience, something is always killed in the process.
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The Buddha resides as comfortably in the circuits of a digital computer or the gears of a cycle transmission as he does at the top of a mountain.
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It's better not to see than to see wrongly.
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The truth knocks on the door and you say, go away, I'm looking for the truth, and it goes away. Puzzling.
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You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It's easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally.
Robert M. PirsigRead
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