You Yearn, Yet Engage Not
Beauty in the contrasting gaps.
... You see, but you do not observe.
Over the years I've many times considered why I find this quote beautiful.
It cuts deep, for something said so off-handedly.
I then realized - it's that intriguing contrast which I love: of superficial engagement, as against wilful focus.
So I wondered: what other thoughts have similar impact? I would try these:
You hear, but you do not listen.
You touch, but you do not feel.
You taste, but you do not savour.
You speak, but you do not connect.
You know, but you do not understand.
You act, but you do not reflect.
Rather stirring, I'd say. But consider these too, of existential evocation:
You exist, but you do not live.
You gather, but you do not treasure.
And lastly - for the lawyers:
You speak, but you do not submit.
You lead, but you do not guide.
You reply, but you do not answer.