QuoteProject
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 Tagore
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote contrasts the nature of small wisdom with great wisdom, emphasizing clarity versus complexity.

Rabindranath Tagore uses the metaphor of water to illustrate the difference between small wisdom and great wisdom. Small wisdom is accessible and easily understood, like water in a glass, while great wisdom is profound and often elusive, like the vast, deep sea. This distinction highlights that while small truths can be clear and straightforward, deeper wisdom encompasses more complexity and mystery.

Themes

WisdomKnowledgeUnderstandingLifeMystery

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about lifelong learning, one might refer to this quote to illustrate the journey of acquiring wisdom.

More from Rabindranath Tagore

Music fills the infinite between two souls. This has been muffled by the mist of our daily habits.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
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.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
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.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
To be outspoken is easy when you do not wait to speak the complete truth.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
Bees sip honey from flowers and hum their thanks when they leave. The gaudy butterfly is sure that the flowers owe thanks to him.
Rabindranath TagoreRead

Similar quotes

All that is gold does not glitter,_x000D_ Not all those who wander are lost;_x000D_ The old that is strong does not wither,_x000D_ Deep roots are not reached by the frost._x000D_ _x000D_ From the ashes a fire shall be woken,_x000D_ A light from the shadows shall spring;_x000D_ Renewed shall be blade that was broken,_x000D_ The crownless again shall be king.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.
Sun TzuRead
The greatest service you can render someone else is helping him help himself.
Baltasar GracianRead
Never assume the obvious is true.
William SafireRead
Desire makes everything blossom; possession makes everything wither and fade.
Marcel ProustRead
Rise above oneself and grasp the world.
ArchimedesRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Rabindranath Tagore | QuoteProject