"الحكمة الصغيرة مثل الماء في الكوب: واضحة، شفافة، نقية. الحكمة العظيمة مثل الماء في البحر: مظلمة، غامضة، لا يمكن اختراقها."

The heart of this quote is about the nature of wisdom. On one hand, there's the easily graspable, straightforward knowledge that anyone can understand—like water in a glass. It’s clear and simple. But true, deep wisdom? That’s like the ocean: vast, complex, and often hard to fathom.

This idea can be traced back to ancient philosophies and literature. It’s the kind of thing you might hear in a conversation between scholars in Ancient Greece or in the writings of Eastern philosophers. It suggests that while some truths are simple and easy to grasp, others are profound and require a deep, sometimes lifelong, journey to understand.

Let’s think about a real-life example. Imagine a young software developer who’s just started their career. They know how to write code—they can see the immediate results of their work, much like looking into a clear glass of water. It’s straightforward and satisfying. But their senior colleague, who’s been in the industry for decades, understands the larger systems, the way different parts of the codebase interact, the potential for future issues, and the intricate balance of maintaining and innovating. This deeper, often less visible understanding is like the ocean—full of hidden currents and depths that the novice can’t yet see.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing that not all knowledge is on the surface. When you encounter a problem or a new field, don’t just settle for the easy answers. Dive deeper. Ask questions. Seek out those who have more experience and listen to their insights, even if they seem complex or hard to understand at first. Remember that true wisdom often comes with time and experience.

Now, picture this: You’re having a coffee with a friend who’s just had a tough week at work. They’re venting about a project that’s gone sideways. On the surface, it seems simple—they did everything by the book, but things still didn’t work out. You listen and nod, but you also share a story from your own experience, where a similar situation happened. But instead of just focusing on the immediate issues, you dig deeper. You talk about the underlying dynamics in the team, the market pressures, and the long-term vision. Your friend listens, and while they might not grasp everything right away, they start to see that there’s more to their problem than just the apparent missteps. They begin to understand the complexity and interconnectedness of their situation—like peering into the depths of the ocean.

In this way, you’re not just offering a glass of clear water. You’re giving them a glimpse into the vast sea of wisdom. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll start to appreciate the deeper currents at play in their own life.

So next time you’re faced with a challenge or trying to help someone else, remember: don’t just skim the surface. Dive deep. It’s in that mysterious, dark water that the greatest insights are often found.