Analogies Quote by Eric Weiner
“The late British-born philosopher Alan Watts, in one of his wonderful lectures on eastern philosophy, used this analogy: "If I draw a circle, most people, when asked what I have drawn, will say I have drawn a circle or a disc, or a ball. Very few people will say I've drawn a hole in the wall, because most people think of the inside first, rather than thinking of the outside. But actually these two sides go together--you cannot have what is 'in here' unless you have what is out there.' " In other words, where we are is vital to who we are.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Alan Watts on Eastern Philosophy, recorded 1990s
Understanding both interior and exterior perspectives reveals how context shapes identity.
In simple terms: Seeing both inside and outside defines who we are.
Consider both inner and outer contexts in self‑reflection.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- self‑assessment
- team dynamics
- urban planning
- creative design
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What external factors shape your self‑image?
- How can you balance inner and outer viewpoints?
Focusing only on interior can ignore external influences.