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, and when the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten. The purpose of words is to convey ideas, and when the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten. Where can I find a man who has forgotten words so that I can have a word with him?

Daoist philosopher

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Details

Context

Zhuangzi, Chapter 26, 'External Things'

Date / Period

c. 4th century BCE

Source

https://terebess.hu/english/Zhuangzi-BurtonWatson.pdf

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: grok

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source