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But Chinese civilization has the overpowering beauty of the wholly other, and only the wholly other can inspire the deepest love and the profoundest desire to learn.
Joseph Needham
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Chinese civilization offers unique beauty that sparks deep love and a desire for knowledge.

In this quote, Joseph Needham emphasizes the profound impact of Chinese civilization on individuals, suggesting that its distinct beauty captivates the heart and inspires a desire for understanding. This 'wholly other' quality refers to cultural aspects that are vastly different from one's own, invoking admiration and motivating a pursuit of knowledge about the unfamiliar.

Themes

Chinese CivilizationBeautyLoveKnowledgeDesire

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about cultural appreciation, one could use this quote to highlight the value of learning from other civilizations.

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