Yet you must not cling to the words of the old sages…
“Yet you must not cling to the words of the old sages either; they, too, may not be right. Even if you believe them, you should be alert so that, in the event that something superior comes along, you may follow that.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encourages openness to new ideas, warning against dogmatic adherence to tradition even when respected.
In simple terms: Question authority, stay adaptable.
Key Takeaway
True wisdom evolves beyond fixed doctrines.
Themes
open-mindedness
critical thinking
growth
tradition vs innovation
philosophy
Mood
curiosity
cautious optimism
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- academic research
- spiritual practice
- business strategy
- personal development
- creative arts
Key Concepts
skepticism
learning
humility
Practical Applications
- re-evaluating legacy policies
- adopting emerging technologies
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for tradition with openness to change?
- When might rejecting a revered teaching be justified?