--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The first words that are read by seekers…" description: "\"“The first words that are read by seekers of enlightenment in the secret, gong-banging, yeti-haunted valleys near the hub of the world, are when they l..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/67e/terry-pratchett-19_buddhism_the-first-words-that-are-read-by-seekers_2255149.jpg" --- # The first words that are read by seekers of enlightenment… ![“The first words that are read by seekers of enlightenment in the secret, gong-banging, yeti-haunted valleys near the hub of the world, are when they look into The Life of Wen the Eternally Surprised. The first question they ask is: 'Why was he eternally surprised?' And they are told: 'Wen…” quote by Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/67e/terry-pratchett-19_buddhism_the-first-words-that-are-read-by-seekers_2255149.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/67e/terry-pratchett-19_buddhism_the-first-words-that-are-read-by-seekers_2255149.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/67e/terry-pratchett-19_buddhism_the-first-words-that-are-read-by-seekers_2255149.jpg) > ““The first words that are read by seekers of enlightenment in the secret, gong-banging, yeti-haunted valleys near the hub of the world, are when they look into The Life of Wen the Eternally Surprised. The first question they ask is: 'Why was he eternally surprised?' And they are told: 'Wen considered the nature of time and understood that the universe is, instant by instant, recreated anew. Therefore, he understood, there is in truth no past, only a memory of the past. Blink your eyes, and the world you see next did not exist when you closed them. Therefore, he said, the only appropriate state of the mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of the heart is joy. The sky you see now, you have never seen before. The perfect moment is now. Be glad of it.' The first words read by the young Lu-Tze when he sought perplexity in the dark, teeming, rain-soaked city of Ankh-Morpork were: 'Rooms For Rent, Very Reasonable.' And he was glad of it.”” [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage contrasts deep philosophical insight about time and perpetual surprise with mundane, practical concerns, suggesting that both awe and ordinary life are equally valid ways to experience the present. **In simple terms:** Both profound wonder and simple everyday moments are valuable. Key Takeaway Embrace surprise and joy in every moment. Themes philosophy humor mindfulness contrasts Mood playful contemplative inspirational Type literary humorous philosophical When to use this quote - reading philosophical texts - walking in a city - contemplating time - finding humor in daily life Key Concepts time perception present moment joy surprise mundane reality Questions to Reflect On - How can you find joy in the ordinary? - What does it mean to live in perpetual surprise? 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Therefore, he said, the only appropriate state of the mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of the heart is joy. The sky you see now, you have never seen before. The perfect moment is now. Be glad of it.' The first words read by the young Lu-Tze when he sought perplexity in the dark, teeming, rain-soaked city of Ankh-Morpork were: 'Rooms For Rent, Very Reasonable.' 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