The disciples were absorbed in a discussion of Lao-tzu's dictum: Those who know do not say;Those who say do not know. When the master entered, they asked him what the words meant. Said the master, 'Which of you knows the fragrance of a rose?' All of them indicated that they knew. Then he said, 'put it into words.' All of them were silent.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True knowledge of experience cannot be fully expressed in words.
- In plain terms
- You can know a thing without being able to describe it in words.
- What can you take from it?
- Value direct experience over verbal description.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What can you know without words?
- How much do you rely on language?
Another view
It can discourage sharing knowledge through language.
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