"Like blind hens, we are ignorant of our own self and the depths within us"
About this Quote
Johannes Tauler's quote, "Like blind hens, we are oblivious of our own self and the depths within us", provides an extensive reflection on human nature and the constraints of self-awareness. By comparing individuals to "blind hens", Tauler recommends a state of intrinsic blindness worrying our understanding of ourselves and our inner world. Simply as blind hens might stumble around their environment, uninformed of the full scope of their surroundings, humans too often navigate life without a deep comprehension of their own mind and the intricacies within.
The contrast to hens, which are generally seen as simple animals, highlights the paradox of human lack of knowledge. Regardless of our sophisticated cognitive capabilities and capacity for self-reflection, we still regularly ignore or misunderstand the fundamental elements of our character and innermost ideas. Tauler appears to be criticizing this lack of introspection, encouraging a much deeper expedition of self-awareness.
This metaphor also suggests that our inner depths are large and uncharted territories, similar to an extensive and potentially treacherous landscape. Tauler challenges us to acknowledge that acquiring real self-knowledge is a complicated and constant journey, needing mindful effort and a determination to face potentially unsettling realities about ourselves. The quote suggests that there is a wealth of insights and prospective within us that stay undiscovered due to our loss of sight to them, advising us to strive for higher self-examination and discovery.
Moreover, the recommendation to blindness not only underscores lack of knowledge but might likewise allude to the potential for enlightenment. It recommends that while currently lacking vision, there is hope for getting insight, just like restoring sight. In this context, Tauler's words motivate us to pursue self-discovery with the guarantee of eventually shedding our blindness and opening a much deeper and more meaningful understanding of our presence.
In conclusion, Tauler's quote is a call to action for introspection and self-discovery, advising us to become more familiar with the covert depths within us. It serves as a pointer that self-awareness is a journey that needs nerve, sincerity, and an open mind. Through exploring and understanding our inner selves, we can not only much better comprehend who we are but likewise enrich our life experiences and relationships with others.
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