Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Awesome Quote

I've been revisiting the Analects of Confucius this week and I just came across something really excellent (no surprise).

I attend the European Graduate School, where I have the great fortune to study with luminaries such as Giorgio Agamben, Alain Badiou, Judith Butler, Michael Hardt, Jacques Rancière, Avital Ronell, Slavoj Žižek and many others. I've been also equally impressed by the students at EGS who are all such interesting people with fascinating ideas and works.

Anywho, I read this and I thought of school:

7.28:
The Master said, "There are probably those who can initiate new paths while still not understanding them, but I am not one of them. I learn much, select out of it what works well, and then follow it. I observe much, and remember it. This is a lower level of wisdom."

6.20:
The Master said, " To truly love it is better than just to understand it, and to enjoy it is better than to simply love it."

4.15:
The Master said, "Zeng, my friend! My way (dao ) is bound together with one continuous strand."
Master Zeng replied, "Indeed."
When the Master had left, the disciples asked, "What was he referring to?"
Master Zeng said, "The way of the Master is doing one's utmost and putting oneself in the other's place, nothing more."

1.16:
The Master said: "Don't worry about not being acknowledged by others; worry about failing to acknowledge them."

Thanks.

3 comments:

  1. While I love Macquarie University, I am majorly jealous you get to attend EGS. How did you get the opportunity to study there?

    Nathan

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  2. I think your program sounds excellent, Nathan. I'd been told about the EGS several years ago and thought at the time I wouldn't be able to attend. Then, while living in Japan, it just made sense to apply.
    I have loved my time with the EGS and was really surprised by the experience. It sounds hokey, but nothing could have prepared me for the experience. If you or someone you know is interested in attending the EGS I am more than happy to relate my experience and I do recommend it.
    Thanks for your support. I hope I can enjoy one of your pizzas some day.

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