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Cleaning Quote by Gary Thorp

“When you break something, is your first impulse to throw it away? Or do you repair it but feel a sadness because it is no longer "perfect"? Whatever the case, you might want to consider the way the Japanese treated the items used in their tea ceremony. Even though they were made from the simplest…” quote by Gary Thorp
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““When you break something, is your first impulse to throw it away? Or do you repair it but feel a sadness because it is no longer "perfect"? Whatever the case, you might want to consider the way the Japanese treated the items used in their tea ceremony. Even though they were made from the simplest materials... these teacups and bowls were revered for their plain lines and spiritual qualities. There were treated with the utmost care, integrity and respect. For this reason, a cup from the tea ceremony was almost never broken. When an accident did occur and a cup was broken, there were certain instances in which the cup was repaired with gold. Rather than trying to restore it in a what they would cover the gace that it ahad been broken, the cracks were celebrated in a bold and spirited way. The thin paths of shining gold completely encircled the ceramic cup, announcing to the world that the cup was broken and repaired and vulnerable to change. And in this way, its value was even further enhanced.””

Gary Thorp

About This Quote

Source Essay: Reflections on Japanese Tea Ceremony, 2020

Objects, even broken, can be repaired and celebrated, showing that imperfections reveal history and deepen value, rather than being hidden.

In simple terms: Broken things can be fixed and become more valuable when their cracks are highlighted.

Key Takeaway

Embrace imperfections as part of an object's story.

Themes

imperfection repair value resilience beauty

Mood

contemplative inspirational calm

Type

philosophical cultural practical

When to use this quote

  • home décor
  • family heirlooms
  • personal setbacks
  • creative projects
  • mental health therapy

Key Concepts

kintsugi cultural reverence mindfulness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does a visible scar tell you about resilience?
  • Can you find beauty in your own imperfections?
A Different Perspective

Repair may not restore original function, only aesthetic.

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