The Vision and the Void: Seeing the Summit, Finding No Path

Yan Yuan said: I cannot stop studying; having exhausted my talent, something seems to stand lofty before me. Yet though I wish to grasp it, I find no way.

When I wish to give over the study of his doctrines, I cannot do so, and having exerted all my ability, there seems something to stand right up before me; but though I wish to follow and lay hold of it, I really find no way to do so.

欲罢不能,既竭吾才,如有所立卓尔。虽欲从之,末由也已。

Source: The Analects, Zi Han IX, Chapter 11

Author: Yan Yuan

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