Contemplation — 三六

The Line

Interpretation

Here is the place of transition. One no longer looks outward in order to receive more or less limited or confused images, but one directs contemplation upon oneself in order to find direction for one's decisions. This turning inward of contemplation is precisely the overcoming of the naive selfishness of the one who contemplates everything only from their own standpoint. One comes to reflection and thereby to objectivity. Self-knowledge is not, however, an occupation with one's own thoughts, but with the effects that go out from one. Only the effects upon life give an image that justifies us in deciding between advance and retreat.