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It is useless to talk with those who do not understand one…

“It is useless to talk with those who do not understand one and troublesome to talk with those who criticize from a feeling of superiority. Especially one-sided persons are troublesome. Few are accomplished in many arts and most cling narrowly to their own opinion.” quote by Murasaki Shikibu
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“It is useless to talk with those who do not understand one and troublesome to talk with those who criticize from a feeling of superiority. Especially one-sided persons are troublesome. Few are accomplished in many arts and most cling narrowly to their own opinion.”

Murasaki Shikibu

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote warns that communicating with people who lack understanding or speak from superiority is unproductive, and that narrow-mindedness limits achievement.

In simple terms: Talking with ignorant or superior people wastes time; narrow views hinder growth.

Key Takeaway

Seek open-minded dialogue and broaden perspectives.

Themes

communication humility intellectual openness

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

advice philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • academic debates
  • team meetings
  • creative collaborations
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

arrogance closed-mindedness expertise multidisciplinary

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you encourage humility in discussions?
  • What strategies help when faced with superiority?
A Different Perspective

It may be difficult to engage with those who are entrenched in their views, limiting progress.

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