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
Study is to study what cannot be studied. Undertaking means undertaking what cannot be undertaken. Philosophizing is to philosophize about what cannot be philosophized about. Knowing that knowing is unknowable is true perfection.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the nature of knowledge and understanding, suggesting that true wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of our comprehension.
In this profound quote by Zhuangzi, the author explores the complexities of knowledge and understanding, conveying that studying, undertaking tasks, and philosophizing involve grappling with concepts that may be ultimately beyond our grasp. The essence of true perfection, according to the quote, is the awareness that knowing itself is an elusive pursuit, leading us to embrace the infinite nuances of existence rather than seeking absolute answers.
Themes
KnowledgeWisdomPhilosophyUnderstandingPerception
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical discussion on the nature of reality.
More from Zhuangzi
All quotes →Either 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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