Tao is obscured when men understand only one pair of…
“Tao is obscured when men understand only one pair of opposites, or concentrate only on a partial aspect of being. Then clear expression also becomes muddled by mere wordplay, affirming this one aspect and denying all the rest. The pivot of Tao passes through the center where all affirmations and denials converge. He who grasps the pivot is at the still-point from which all movements and oppositions can be seen in their right relationship... Abandoning all thought of imposing a limit or taking sides, he rests in direct intuition.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Understanding only one side of opposites clouds true insight; the Tao lies in the balanced center where all viewpoints meet.
In simple terms: Seeing both sides gives clearer truth.
Key Takeaway
Seek balance, avoid extremes.
Themes
philosophy
balance
duality
intuition
Mood
thoughtful
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- decision making
- conflict mediation
- creative problem solving
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Taoism
relativism
holistic thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “still-point” mean to you?
- How can you apply balanced thinking daily?
A Different Perspective
Complex language may obscure meaning for novices.