When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
As the Japanese Zen masters say, “Don't seek the truth; just drop your opinions”. Drop your theories; don't seek the truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote encourages letting go of preconceived notions and opinions to discover deeper truths.
Anthony De Mello's quote emphasizes the importance of relinquishing our biases and theories in the pursuit of understanding reality. By suggesting that we should 'drop our opinions,' it highlights the idea that seeking truth often requires us to be open and free from the constraints of our own beliefs and judgments, which can cloud our perception.
Themes
TruthOpinionsWisdomPerceptionOpen-Mindedness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal growth, one might use this quote to inspire deeper reflection.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes →Perfect love casts out fear. Where there is love there are no demands, no expectations, no dependency. I do not demand that you make me happy; my happiness does not lie in you. If you were to leave me, I will not feel sorry for myself; I enjoy your company immensely, but I do not cling.
Anthony De MelloRead
The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
Anthony De MelloRead
The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
Anthony De MelloRead
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
Similar quotes
The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.
Abraham MaslowRead
Making mistakes, getting it almost right, and experimenting to see what happens are all part of the process of eventually getting it right.
Jack CanfieldRead
Stand guard at the door of your mind.
Jim RohnRead
The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world, is to be in reality what we would appear to be, all human virtues increase and strengthen themselves by the practice and experience of them.
SocratesRead
Confidence-building is not something that can go on forever. If it goes on forever then it becomes counterproductive.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
One of the reasons why so few of us ever act, instead of react, is because we are continually stifling our deepest impulses.
Henry MillerRead