Books Quote by Thomas Merton
““Duke Hwan and the Wheelwright (an excerpt) The world values books, and thinks that in so doing it is valuing Tao. But books contain words only. And yet there is something else which gives value to the books. Not the words only, nor the thought in the words, but something else within the thought, swinging it in a certain direction that words cannot apprehend. But it is the words themselves that the world values when it commits them to books: and though the world values them, these words are worthless as long as that which gives them value is not held in honor. That which man apprehends by observation is only outward form and colour, name and noise: and he thinks that this will put him in possession of Tao. Form and color, name and sound, do not reach to reality. That is why: "He who knows does not say, he who says, does not know." How then is the world going to know Tao through words?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The World Values Books” in *The Sign of the Cross*, 1965
Books are valued for words, but true Tao lies beyond language, in the honored thought behind them.
In simple terms: True understanding transcends written words
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper insight beyond literal text
Themes
philosophy
spirituality
language
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- reading sacred texts
- meditative study
- teaching others
Key Concepts
Taoism
epistemology
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we honor the spirit behind words?
- What practices reveal meaning beyond language?
A Different Perspective
Words alone cannot convey ultimate reality
