Recently I stumbled upon a quote that perfectly fits as a definition for vertical thinking. It is coming from the Chinese philosopher Wang Bi (226-249) whose merit is that the I Ching was properly reconsidered and its true meaning actualized in historically and ideologically troubled times. And still very much valid. So, here is the quote:
“The symbols (the Signs) serve the purpose of expressing the ideas behind them, the wise words of explaining the Signs. When symbols are comprehended, words can be forgotten, and when ideas are comprehended, symbols can be forgotten. However, if hanging onto words, symbols will never be comprehended, and if hanging onto symbols, ideas will never be comprehended.” (in Wolfgang Bauer, Fundamentals of the Book of Changes, Introduction to the I Ching by Richard Wilhelm, p. 13.)
I very much like the simplicity and clarity of it.
And now for something completely different. For a few days I was away for a special kind of reunion. From my presentation page you might already know that I am a nut when it comes to great dogs, especially from the one breed called kuvasz [koov-ahs, koo-vahs]. Guess what, I even have a kuvasz stretched out right now in front of the door, on the porch. So, the reunion I was attending is an annual meeting of the kuvasz breeders and fanciers in Hungary. A rare occasion to meet special people, all in love with this outstanding dog. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, the kuvasz is an ancient Hungarian breed, a very special kind of guard dog with an amazing history of thousands of years. Not many breeds are still carrying that kind of natural force in their genes. Unfortunately the kuvasz breed is now affected by modern lifestyle plagues, being in danger of loosing its purpose, thus its millenary inheritance. Being part of the effervescence around helping the kuvasz regain its rightful place is a significant experience to me for many reasons.
Continue reading ‘The Kuvasz – A Living Symbol and Treasure’ »
