Only Words
The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish, and when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten. The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits. When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten. The purpose of words is to convey ideas. When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten. Where can I find a man who has forgotten words? He is the one I would like to talk to. -Chuang Tzu
This seems designed to not get a response. But I am responding anyway. “Catching” and “conveying” are significantly different. On the other hand, those moments in life when I experience ideas without words are quite special … but then I find I’m not sure I’m remembering them truely because I don’t have words to describe them. Somehow words tend to lock memories in place; my nonverbalized memories shift, morph, and slip away.
Usually when I click on your pictures they are enlarged, but nothing is happening this time.
Comment by Jennifer — February 21, 2007 @ 8:04 pm
I am definitely the forgotten word man.
Very nice.
Comment by Michael — February 21, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Ohmigod, I didn’t notice this posting wasn’t from Michael until I tried to understand his comment. Thanks, Jen!!
Michael, have some humility!
Comment by Jennifer — February 21, 2007 @ 9:39 pm
I love the Zen-like quote, Jen.
On the one hand I so GET its meaning and concur.
On the other, I *do* like words in that their careful choosing and justaposition can create powerful sentences that can launch forth ideas / feelings / sentiments with flair and distinction.
Comment by smiling Dan — February 22, 2007 @ 11:09 am
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Comment by rakkity — February 22, 2007 @ 11:20 am
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Comment by rakkity — February 23, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
Got a Zen-like thing going here yourself, rakkity.
Comment by Michael — February 23, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
Sorry for the late comment and absence from the blog, but I’ve been offline playing in NYC like the single gal that I am. God, I love that city.
I liked this quote because lately I am finding myself surrounded by people who “hide” behind words. I find some people can use a relatively large vocabulary to mask the fact that they have absolutely nothing to say. As you can tell, I love the written word myself and hope I never fall to the dark side with nothing to offer but the act of offering.
Pouring one a glass of water with an empty vessel leaves one thirsty and the other embarrassed.
Comment by Jen — February 25, 2007 @ 10:56 pm