Single Idea 6323

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 1. Knowledge]

Full Idea

In the pursuit of learning one knows more every day; in the pursuit of the Way one does less every day.

Gist of Idea

Pursuit of learning increases activity; the Way decreases it

Source

Laozi (Lao Tzu) (Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) [c.530 BCE], II.XLVII.108)

Book Reference

Lao Tzu: 'Tao Te Ching', ed/tr. Lau,D.C. [Penguin 1963], p.109


A Reaction

Everything in my culture has raised the status of the pursuit of learning, so that I can hardly comprehend what is proposed by the Way. I don't believe that the Way can be achieved without great learning, but one might move beyond learning.