The hearing that is only in the ears is one thing. The hearing of the understanding is another. But the hearing of the spirit is not limited to any one faculty to the ear, or to the mind.
ZhuangziRead
We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depended on it. Yet our opinions have no permanence; like autumn and winter, they gradually pass away.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our beliefs and opinions are temporary and should not be held onto too tightly.
This quote by Zhuangzi highlights the transient nature of our opinions and perspectives. It suggests that while we may hold our viewpoints as if they are crucial to our existence, they are actually fluid and subject to change, much like the seasons that come and go. Understanding this can lead to greater flexibility and open-mindedness in our interactions with others.
Themes
OpinionsPerspectiveChangeTransiencePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about different viewpoints at a community meeting.
More from Zhuangzi
All quotes βEither in conflict with others or in harmony with them, we go through life like a runaway horse, unable to stop.
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When people do not ignore what they should ignore, but ignore what they should not ignore, this is known as ignorance.
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The true man of the past waited upon Heaven when dealing with people and did not wait upon people when dealing with Heaven.
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The mind remains undetermined in the great Void. Here the highest knowledge is unbounded. That which gives things their thusness cannot be delimited by things. So when we speak of 'limits', we remain confined to limited things. The limit of the unlimited is called 'fullness.' The limitlessness of the limited is called 'emptiness.' Tao is the source of both. But it is itself neither fullness nor emptiness
ZhuangziRead
All the fish needs is to get lost in the water. All man needs is to get lost in Tao.
ZhuangziRead
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