Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
Usually when we hear or read something new, we just compare it to our own ideas. If it is the same, we accept it and say that it is correct. If it is not, we say it is incorrect. In either case, we learn nothing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We often judge new information based on existing beliefs, which limits our learning.
This quote by Nhat Hanh suggests that our tendency to evaluate new ideas against our pre-existing notions can hinder genuine learning and growth. When we automatically categorize information as correct or incorrect based on our current understanding, we close ourselves off to new perspectives and possibilities, thereby missing out on valuable insights and transformative experiences.
Themes
LearningPerspectiveGrowthEducationUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In an education seminar, this quote can emphasize the importance of open-mindedness in learning.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes →I have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
Nhat HanhRead
I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
Nhat HanhRead
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
Nhat HanhRead
The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat HanhRead
Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
Similar quotes
I read Carver. Julio Cortazar. Amis's essays. Baldwin. Lorrie Moore. Capote. Saramago. Larkin. Wodehouse. Anything, anything at all, that doesn't sound like me.
Zadie SmithRead
If the use of leisure time is confined to looking at TV for a few extra hours every day, we will deteriorate as a people.
Eleanor RooseveltRead
My elder brothers were all put apprentices to different trades. I was put to the grammar-school at eight years of age, my father intending to devote me, as the tithe of his sons, to the service of the Church.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Teach music and singing at school in such a way that it is not a torture but a joy for the pupil; instill a thirst for finer music in him, a thirst which will last for a lifetime.
Zoltan KodalyRead
I consider the world, this Earth, to be like a school, and our life the classrooms.
Oprah WinfreyRead
Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.
Kate DicamilloRead