This quote is a call for the integration of Eastern and Western perspectives in order to gain a more complete understanding of the world, oneself, or any given subject. The ‘understanding of the East’ might refer to Eastern philosophies which often emphasize intuition, inner peace, spiritual enlightenment and harmony with nature. It could also refer to concepts such as interconnectedness, mindfulness and acceptance which are common in these philosophies.
On the other hand, ‘the knowledge of the West’ may denote Western thought that primarily values empirical evidence, logic and reason. This includes scientific inquiry, technological advancement and material progress.
By saying “then seek”,Gurdjieff suggests that once one has both perspectives integrated – intuitive understanding from the East and logical knowledge from the west - they should then proceed in their quest for truth or meaning.This implies that neither viewpoint alone is sufficient; both are necessary for a holistic approach.
In today’s world where globalization is increasingly blurring cultural boundaries, this idea becomes even more relevant. It encourages us to be open-minded towards different cultures’ wisdoms instead of being ethnocentric. Such an approach can lead to innovative solutions by combining diverse methodologies or ideas.In terms of personal progress too this idea holds great value. we can enrich our lives by incorporating practices like meditation (from Eastern tradition) for inner peace while also using goal-setting strategies (common in Western self-help culture) for external success. By balancing introspection with action-oriented approaches we can achieve well-rounded personal growth.
Finally it reminds us that seeking truth or personal growth is an ongoing process requiring continual learning from various sources rather than being confined within one particular school of thought.
