A trap is for fish: when you've got the fish, you can forget the trap. A snare is for rabbits: when you've got the rabbit, you can forget the snare. Words are for meaning: when you've got the meaning, you can forget the words. Where can I find someone who's forgotten words so I can have a word with him?...
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Tools like traps and snares are useful for catching fish or rabbits, but once caught, they are no longer needed. Similarly, words are tools for conveying meaning, but once the meaning is understood, the words themselves can be discarded.
- In plain terms
- Use words to get the meaning, then forget the words.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on the essence, not the vehicle.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have you forgotten the words to get the point?
- How do you separate form from content?
Another view
Sometimes the choice of words shapes the meaning itself.
More from Zhuangzi
Forget the years, forget distinctions. Leap into the boundless and make it your home!
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