The quote, “Whatever you cannot understand, you cannot possess,” essentially suggests that true ownership or mastery of anything—be it a skill, knowledge, or even a relationship—requires a deep and thorough understanding of it. Without understanding, we may physically have something, but we cannot fully utilize, appreciate, or control it.
This idea can be likened to having a sophisticated piece of technology. You might physically own it, but if you don’t understand how to use it, you essentially do not possess its true value. The same can be said about knowledge or skills; you can memorize facts or mimic actions, but without understanding, you cannot truly apply this knowledge or skill in a meaningful or effective way.
In the context of personal relationships, you cannot truly connect with someone or have a meaningful relationship unless you understand them—their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and perspectives. Without understanding, the relationship lacks depth and substance.
This quote also highlights the importance of effort and engagement. Understanding usually requires active engagement and effort. It is not a passive process. This means we need to actively seek to understand things, to ask questions, to explore, and to reflect. This active engagement not only leads to understanding but also to growth and development.
In today’s world, this idea is especially relevant. We live in an information age, where facts are easily accessible. However, understanding—the ability to interpret, critically analyze, and apply this information—is much more valuable and powerful. In this sense, understanding is a form of possession; it is something we can truly own and use for our benefit.
In terms of personal development, this quote emphasizes the importance of understanding ourselves—our thoughts, feelings, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. By understanding ourselves, we can take control of our lives, make informed decisions, and pursue meaningful and fulfilling lives. Without this understanding, we are like a ship without a rudder, tossed about by external forces and circumstances.
