"Great wisdom is generous; petty wisdom is contentious. Great speech is impassioned, small speech cantankerous"
- Zhuang Zi
About this Quote
The text is recommending that real knowledge is reflected in kindness and a desire to comprehend and accept differing perspectives, whereas petty or narrow-minded wisdom is characterized by conflict and argument. Likewise, effective interaction is marked by enthusiasm and motivation, while inadequate communication is identified by defensiveness and hostility. Overall, the quote recommends that wisdom and efficient communication are closely connected to a mindset of generosity and openness.
"Raising children is an incredibly hard and risky business in which no cumulative wisdom is gained: each generation repeats the mistakes the previous one made"
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"