--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In other words, knowledge of the external…" description: "\"In other words, knowledge of the external world begins with an immediate utilisation of things, whereas knowledge of self is stopped by this purely pra..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/feb/jean-piaget-4336_contact_in-other-words-knowledge-of-the-external_487790.jpg" --- # In other words, knowledge of the external world begins… ![“In other words, knowledge of the external world begins with an immediate utilisation of things, whereas knowledge of self is stopped by this purely practical and utilitarian contact.” quote by Jean Piaget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/feb/jean-piaget-4336_contact_in-other-words-knowledge-of-the-external_487790.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/feb/jean-piaget-4336_contact_in-other-words-knowledge-of-the-external_487790.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/feb/jean-piaget-4336_contact_in-other-words-knowledge-of-the-external_487790.jpg) > “In other words, knowledge of the external world begins with an immediate utilisation of things, whereas knowledge of self is stopped by this purely practical and utilitarian contact.” [Jean Piaget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-piaget/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Knowledge of the external world arises from direct practical interaction, while self‑knowledge is hindered by purely utilitarian focus. **In simple terms:** Learning about things comes from using them; learning about self needs more than utility. Key Takeaway Engage with the world beyond mere utility to understand yourself. Themes learning experience self‑awareness Mood contemplative inquisitive Type philosophical reflective When to use this quote - education - personal development - mindfulness Key Concepts pragmatism phenomenology Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance practical use with introspection? - What activities help you know yourself beyond utility? A Different Perspective Self‑knowledge also requires reflection, not just action. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [External world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/external-world/) [Knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Utilitarian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/utilitarian/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [A scientist sets out to conquer nature through knowledge - external nature, external knowledge. By these means he may split the atom and achieve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-k-s-iyengar/a-scientist-sets-out-to-conquer-nature-through-knowledge-external/) [B.K.S. 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