Source: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (1974), Ch. 7
Context: When you look directly at an insane man all you see is a reflection of your own knowledge that he's insane, which is not to see him at all. To see him you must see what he saw and when you are trying to see the vision of an insane man, an oblique route is the only way to come at it.
“When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.”
Variant: When you see a man of worth, think of how you may emulate him. When you see one who is unworthy, examine yourself.
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Confucius 269
Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher -551–-479 BCRelated quotes
Lisa Heiserman Perkins NYTimes http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/science/01angier.html?_r=0
About
The Way of God's Will Chapter 3-1 The Church and Church Life http://www.unification.org/ucbooks/WofGW/wogw3-01.htm Translated 1980.
“Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give him one of yours. ~”
Source: Something to Smile about: Encouragement and Inspiration for Life's Ups and Downs
Letter to Malcolm Cowley (17 October 1945); published in Ernest Hemingway: Selected Letters 1917–1961 (1981) edited by Carlos Baker