Understanding quotes
Welcome to the quotes page on Understanding! In this section, you will find a collection of insightful and thought-provoking quotes that delve into the complexities of human understanding. Whether you are seeking wisdom about empathy, tolerance, or simply gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us, these quotes are here to inspire and enlighten.
Understanding is a fundamental aspect of human connection and growth. It allows us to bridge the gaps between different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Through these quotes, you will explore the diverse ways in which individuals have sought to comprehend life's mysteries and develop a greater sense of empathy towards others.
The quotes showcased in this category come from a wide range of sources - from philosophers to poets, scientists to spiritual leaders. Each quote offers a unique perspective on the nature of understanding, encouraging us to challenge our preconceived notions and strive for a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Whether you are seeking inspiration, solace, or simply a deeper understanding of the human condition, we hope that these quotes will provide you with the insights and wisdom that you are searching for. So, take a moment to explore the quotes in this Understanding category and allow them to guide you on a journey towards greater empathy, acceptance, and knowledge.
Kathryn Stockett
— NovelistThat's what I love about Aibileen, she can take the most complicated things in life and wrap them up so small and simple, they'll fit right in your pocket.
Joyce Carol Oates
— AuthorThat is the mystery: Reading Henry James can yield prose that is contrary to James, yet inspired by him. Who can understand this?
Sarah Vowell
— AuthorAmerican history is a quagmire, and the more one knows, the quaggier the mire gets.
Antonio Machado
— PoetAll uncertainty is fruitfull ... so long as it is accompanied by the wish to understand
Patricia Piccinini
— ArtistHow does contemporary technology and culture changes our understanding of what it means to be human. What is our relationship with - and responsibilities towards - that which we create.
E. B. White
— Versatile Writer & Author of Beloved ClassicsBe obscure clearly! Be wild of tongue in a way we can understand.
Paul Halmos
— Influential Mathematician & EducatorA good stack of examples, as large as possible, is indispensable for a thorough understanding of any concept,and when I want to learn something new, I make it my first job to build one.
Russell Hoban
— Versatile Author & Creative StorytellerAfter all, when you come right down to it, how many people speak the same language even when they speak the same language?
D.T. Suzuki
— Pioneer of Zen Buddhism in the WestWe have two eyes to see two sides of things, but there must be a third eye which will see everything at the same time and yet not see anything. That is to understand Zen.
Darren McCarty
— Champion Hockey Player & Inspirational StoryThey do a lot of talking, but I'm not sure they actually understand each other.
Jeff Pinkner
— Acclaimed Screenwriter & ProducerEvery one of us, as human beings, even in a committed relationship, has moments and thoughts and actions that, whether or not they share them with their loved one, tells you, as much as anything, about them as people and their relationship.
Peter Deunov
— Spiritual Teacher & PhilosopherA person is able to understand only when he solves the problem by himself.
Mary Ellen Chase
— New England's Literary VoiceSuffering without understanding in this life is a heap worse than suffering when you have at least the grain of an idea what it's all for.
Harvey Mackay
— Business Guru & Motivational SpeakerMany people may listen, but few people actually hear.
Peter Gay
— Noted Cultural HistorianAnd my interest in history was, and remains, very strong: what I wanted was to understand certain things better by understanding them psychoanalytically.
Daniel Craig
— Iconic James Bond ActorI just felt that you can't have a character fall in love so madly as they did in the last movie and not finish it off, understand it, get some closure. That's why the movie is called 'Quantum of Solace' - that's exactly what he's looking for.
M. F. K. Fisher
— Pioneering Food WriterI think that when two people are able to weave that kind of invisible thread of understanding and sympathy between each other, that delicate web, they should not risk tearing it. It is too rare, and it lasts too short a time at best.
Timothy Leary
— American psychologist and authorYou cannot use butterfly language to communicate with caterpillars
Neil Patrick Harris
— American actor, singer, writer, producer, and television hostI don't know, but I think kids just want to be listened to, so I want to make sure I do that.
Will Ferrell
— American actor, comedian, producer, and writerI think it just came with me evolving as a person and me understanding that it's not right to judge or to say anything derogatory about other people, especially if I don't know them.
Joseph Kosuth
— American conceptual artistI am only describing language, not explaining anything.
Rachel Grady
— Film directorAlways put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too.
Pope John XXIII
— Head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 28 October 1958 until his death in 1963I have looked into your eyes with my eyes. I have put my heart near your heart.
Reba McEntire
— American country music singer, actress and businesswomanI just try not to judge. Dont judge me, and I wont judge you.
Alice Dreger
— American ScientistYou can't go into new life experiences without the understanding that yeah, you may fail, but knowing you might fail can't stop you from trying.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
— American actor, producer, retired professional wrestler and former American football and Canadian football playerThe first step to achieving your goal, is to take a moment to respect your goal. Know what it means to you to achieve it.
Kathryn Stockett
— NovelistShe dumb.” I sigh. “But she ain’t stupid.
Joyce Carol Oates
— AuthorWhen a marriage ends, who is left to understand it?
Jorge Luis Borges
— WriterThere is an hour of the afternoon when the plain is on the verge of saying something. It never says, or perhaps it says it infinitely, or perhaps we do not understand it, or we understand it and it is untranslatable as music.
Antonio Machado
— PoetNo one can shed light on vices he does not have or afflictions he has ever experienced.
E. B. White
— Versatile Writer & Author of Beloved ClassicsAnd then, just as Wilbur was settling down for his morning nap, he heard again the thin voice that had addressed him the night before. "Salutations!" said the voice. Wilbur jumped to his feet. "Salu-what?" he cried. "Salutations!" repeated the voice. "What are they, and where are you?" screamed Wilbur. "Please, please, tell me where you are. And what are salutations?" "Salutations are greetings," said the voice. "When I say 'salutations,' it's just my fancy way of saying hello or good morning.
Paul Halmos
— Influential Mathematician & EducatorWhat's the best part of being a mathematician? I'm not a religious man, but it's almost like being in touch with God when you're thinking about mathematics. God is keeping secrets from us, and it's fun to try to learn some of the secrets.
Russell Hoban
— Versatile Author & Creative StorytellerAnd now it seems she's on my wavelength. That's all I need. My mind isn't much of a comfort to me but at least I thought it was private.
D.T. Suzuki
— Pioneer of Zen Buddhism in the WestOne has not understood until one has forgotten it.
Harvey Mackay
— Business Guru & Motivational SpeakerI know that you don't know, but you don't know that you don't know.
Peter Gay
— Noted Cultural HistorianTo have a liberal temperament is a kind of psychological boon, To be able to understand that someone you disagree with is not just a terrible creature but somebody with whom you disagree.
M. F. K. Fisher
— Pioneering Food WriterIt is hard and perhaps impossible for many people to recognize the difference between innocence and naiveté.
Timothy Leary
— American psychologist and authorNobody ever understands what a pioneer is doing.
Kathryn Stockett
— NovelistHe let out a long sorry sigh and I love that look on his face, that disappointment. I understand now why girls resist,just for that sweet look of regret.
Joyce Carol Oates
— AuthorReading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice, another's soul.
Jorge Luis Borges
— WriterI confess that I have not cleared a path through all seven hundred pages, I confess to having examined only bits and pieces, and yet I know what it is, with that bold and legitimate certainty with which we assert our knowledge of a city, without ever having been rewarded with the intimacy of all the many streets it includes.
Antonio Machado
— PoetIt is good knowing that glasses are to drink from;
the bad thing is not to know what thirst is for.
Russell Hoban
— Versatile Author & Creative StorytellerSometimes I think that the biggest difference between men and women is that more men need to seek out some terrible lurking thing in existence and hurl themselves upon it. Women know where it lives but they can let it alone.
D.T. Suzuki
— Pioneer of Zen Buddhism in the WestPersonal experience, therefore, is everything in Zen. No ideas are intelligible to those who have no backing of experience.
Timothy Leary
— American psychologist and authorYou simply cannot understand psychedelic drugs, which activate the brain, unless you understand something about computers.
Jorge Luis Borges
— WriterYou who read me, are You sure of understanding my language?
Jorge Luis Borges
— WriterThe machinery of the world is far too complex for the simplicity of men.