--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Do not follow the ancient masters, seek…" description: "\"“Do not follow the ancient masters, seek what they sought.”\" — Jane Hirshfield" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa6/jane-hirshfield-2649_seek_do-not-follow-the-ancient-masters-seek-w_1664469.png" --- # Do not follow the ancient masters, seek what they sought. ![“Do not follow the ancient masters, seek what they sought.” quote by Jane Hirshfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa6/jane-hirshfield-2649_seek_do-not-follow-the-ancient-masters-seek-w_1664469.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa6/jane-hirshfield-2649_seek_do-not-follow-the-ancient-masters-seek-w_1664469.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa6/jane-hirshfield-2649_seek_do-not-follow-the-ancient-masters-seek-w_1664469.png) > ““Do not follow the ancient masters, seek what they sought.”” [Jane Hirshfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-hirshfield/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Instead of copying past teachers, pursue their underlying quest for truth and insight. **In simple terms:** Seek the purpose behind teachings, not the form. Key Takeaway Explore the original intent of wisdom. Themes wisdom individuality search for truth Mood reflective curious Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - academic research - personal meditation - creative writing Key Concepts philosophy spirituality critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - What core truth do you seek? - How can you honor tradition while innovating? A Different Perspective Blindly rejecting tradition may lose valuable guidance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [Seek not to follow in the footsteps of men of old; seek what they sought.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matsuo-basho/seek-not-to-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-men-of-old-seek-what-they/) [Matsuo Basho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matsuo-basho/) > [Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matsuo-basho/do-not-seek-to-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-the-wise-seek-what-they/) [Matsuo Basho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matsuo-basho/) > [“If you follow the ancient maps written on the stars, no person will ever understand you. So if you could read these maps, would…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-joybell-c/if-you-follow-the-ancient-maps-written-on-the-stars-no-person-will/) [C. 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I guess our minds demand that we seek other challenges.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerry-west/many-people-men-in-particular-just-can-t-not-be-active-i-guess-our/) [Jerry West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-west/) > [Iraq's enemies will continue to seek opportunities to pursue their objectives, but make no mistake: Our military forces here, and those of the Iraqi…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lloyd-austin/iraq-s-enemies-will-continue-to-seek-opportunities-to-pursue-their/) [Lloyd Austin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lloyd-austin/) > [“To find, you have to seek. If you have lost your life direction, you probably won't find it between drinks at the local bar.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-matthews/to-find-you-have-to-seek-if-you-have-lost-your-life-direction-you/) [Andrew Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-matthews/) > [The Human Rights Act is not a terrorists' charter. It enables ordinary citizens to seek redress when the government breaches fundamental freedoms enshrined in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-thornberry/the-human-rights-act-is-not-a-terrorists-charter-it-enables-ordinary/) [Emily Thornberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-thornberry/) > [“I go to seek a Great Perhaps. That's why I'm going. 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