This quote suggests that to truly understand and appreciate the world, it is sometimes necessary to step back and detach ourselves from it. It implies that by immersing ourselves too deeply in the world, we can become blinded to its true nature and complexity. We may get caught up in the minutiae of daily life and lose sight of the bigger picture.

The idea here is akin to trying to understand a painting by looking at it too closely. If you’re too close, you only see individual brush strokes and colors. But when you step back, you can see the painting as a whole, appreciate its structure, its balance, and the story it tells. The same applies to understanding the world. By stepping back, we can gain a broader perspective, see patterns and connections that we might otherwise miss, and thereby gain a deeper understanding.

This idea can be applied to our personal lives and development. For example, if we’re too caught up in our work, we might lose sight of why we’re doing it in the first place. By taking a break, we can reflect on our goals and values, and this can help us to work more effectively and find more satisfaction in what we do.

In today’s fast-paced world, where we’re constantly bombarded with information and distractions, this idea is perhaps more relevant than ever. We can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and lose sight of what’s really important. By occasionally ‘turning away’ from the world, whether that’s through meditation, spending time in nature, or simply taking some time for ourselves, we can gain a clearer perspective and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.