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About this quote

What does it mean?
A description of reality is not reality itself; getting lost in words blinds you to the actual thing.
In plain terms
Don't confuse the map with the territory.
What can you take from it?
Experience reality directly, not just descriptions.

Where it applies

  • learning
  • communication
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • look beyond words
  • check direct experience
  • test ideas

Questions to consider

  • When did you prefer words over facts?
  • How does description limit you?

Another view

Language is needed for shared meaning.

More from Jiddu Krishnamurti

  1. The constant assertion of belief is an indication of fear.

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  2. The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the w…

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  3. Only the free mind knows what love is.

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