Reverence makes it possible to be whole, though ignorant. It is the wholeness of understanding.

Reverence makes it possible to be whole, though ignorant. It is the wholeness of understanding.

Wendell Berry

This quote, “Reverence makes it possible to be whole, though ignorant. It is the wholeness of understanding,” suggests that reverence, or deep respect and awe for something, can lead to a sense of completeness and fulfillment even in the absence of complete knowledge or understanding. It implies that true wisdom doesn’t necessarily come from knowing everything there is to know about a subject but rather from recognizing its complexity and appreciating it fully.

The phrase “wholeness of understanding” refers to the idea that our comprehension becomes more profound when we approach things with reverence. this doesn’t mean we grasp every detail but rather that we appreciate the inherent worth and significance of what we are trying to understand.In today’s world where details is readily available at our fingertips, this quote could serve as a reminder that knowledge isn’t just about accumulating facts. Instead,it’s about developing an appreciation for things around us – nature,other people’s perspectives,different cultures – without necessarily having an exhaustive understanding of them.

In terms of personal progress, this concept encourages humility and continuous learning. By approaching life with reverence – respecting its mysteries and complexities – one can feel fulfilled even without having all the answers. This perspective fosters openness towards new experiences and ideas because it acknowledges that there’s always more to learn.

Moreover, this philosophy could help mitigate feelings of overwhelm or inadequacy in face of vast amounts knowledge yet unknown or skills yet unmastered; instead promoting a sense peace in recognizing one’s place within larger systems—be thay ecosystems or social structures—and valuing their role within them.

Overall then “reverence” as described here might be seen as an antidote both to arrogance on one hand (thinking you know everything) and despair on the other (feeling you’ll never know enough), guiding instead towards balanced growth rooted in respect for life’s complexities.

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