It is futile to argue as to which single leaf, which design of branch, or which attractive flower you like; when you understand the root, you understand all its blossoming.
Source: Striking Thoughts (2000), p. 11
Source: Striking Thoughts (2000), p. 11
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
“Some try to understand the world, while others seek to impose their understanding on it.”
Source: The Mirror; or, Harlequin Everywhere (pp. 790-791)
Source: The Cornelius Quartet, The Condition of Muzak (1977)
Context: Unfortunately, Mr. Smiles, these latter folk are those least equipped to perform the operation. Like Frankenstein, my dear Mr. Smiles, they produce a monster.
“Horror was rooted in sympathy… in understanding what it would be like to suffer the worst.”
Source: Heart-Shaped Box
“Therefore do not seek to understand in order to believe, but believe that thou mayest understand.”
Ergo noli quaerere intelligere ut credas, sed crede ut intelligas.
Tractates on the Gospel of John; tractate XXIX on John 7:14-18, §6 A Select Library of the Nicene And Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church Volume VII by St. Augustine, chapter VII (1888) as translated by Philip Schaff http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf107.iii.xxx.html.
Compare: Anselm of Canterbury: "Nor do I seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe that I may understand".
“Wise men don't judge: they seek to understand.”
Fingers Pointing Towards The Moon (1958)
“Solutions: (…) Seek an understanding of the other sex's best intent.”
Source: The Myth of Male Power (1993), Part III: Government as substitute husband, p. 306.
