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Bald man Quote by Xi Chuan

“Many people pretend to be in thought, proving thought to be a beautiful thing. But the bald man doesn’t need a comb, the tiger doesn’t need weapons, the fool doesn’t need thought. The person with no needs is practically a sage, but the sage also needs to count the rivers across the iron bridge to…” quote by Xi Chuan
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““Many people pretend to be in thought, proving thought to be a beautiful thing. But the bald man doesn’t need a comb, the tiger doesn’t need weapons, the fool doesn’t need thought. The person with no needs is practically a sage, but the sage also needs to count the rivers across the iron bridge to pass the time. This is the difference between the sage and the fool.””

Xi Chuan

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Sage and the Fool” by Xi Chuan, 1995

The passage contrasts superficial intellectualism with genuine simplicity, suggesting that true wisdom lies in lacking unnecessary desires rather than merely thinking.

In simple terms: Real wisdom is about needing less, not thinking more.

Key Takeaway

Seek simplicity over needless contemplation.

Themes

wisdom simplicity desire intellectualism

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

aphilosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • meditation
  • decision making
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

philosophy minimalism human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What needs can you let go of?
  • How does desire shape your sense of self?
A Different Perspective

Even the wise can become trapped by idle counting and over‑analysis.

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