Wang Yangming Quotes & Sayings

People today distinguish between knowledge and action and pursue them separately, believing that one must know before he can act ... They say [they will wait] till they truly know before putting their knowledge into practice. Consequently to the end of their lives, they will never act and also will never know. — Wang Yangming

The inferior man attempts a hundred intrigues in order to save himself, but finishes only in creating a greater calamity from which he cannot run. — Wang Yangming

The sages do not consider that making no mistakes is a blessing. They believe, rather, that the great virtue of man lies in his ability to correct his mistakes and continually make a new man of himself. — Wang Yangming

To know and not to act is not to know. — Wang Yangming

Perhaps immortality is a gift of heaven rather than the result of some human effort. — Wang Yangming

Knowledge is the beginning of practice; doing is the completion of knowing. — Wang Yangming

If you really want to find out something about immortality, you have to live in the mountain forests for 30 years. If you succeed in perfecting your eyes and ears there, if you harmonize the heart and the will so that your mind becomes clear and pure and free of all that is evil, you will be able to discuss the matter. — Wang Yangming

Yin and Yang are one vital force
the primordial aura. — Wang Yangming

Thought and learning are of small value unless translated into action. — Wang Yangming