This quote essentially emphasizes the importance of passion and enjoyment over mere knowledge or preference. The first part of the quote, “To prefer it is better than to only know it,” suggests that having an active interest or preference for something is more valuable than simply having knowledge about it. It’s the difference between being passively aware of something and actively choosing it.
The second part of the quote, “To delight in it is better than merely to prefer it,” takes this idea a step further. It implies that truly relishing or delighting in something – having a deep, passionate enjoyment of it – is even more valuable than simply preferring it. It’s not just about making a choice, but about finding joy and fulfillment in that choice.
Applying this idea to today’s world or personal development, it suggests that it’s not enough to just know about something or even to prefer it. To get the most out of life, to truly thrive and grow, we should seek out those things that we can delight in – those things that bring us true joy and fulfillment. It might be a career, a hobby, a cause, or a relationship. The key is to find what you love, what you’re passionate about, and to pursue it with all your heart.
This philosophy also underlines the importance of being active participants in our own lives. It’s not enough to just exist, to just know things or go through the motions. We should be actively choosing, preferring, and delighting in the things that make up our lives. It’s a call to passion, to joy, to active engagement with the world around us. It’s about not settling for mere knowledge or preference, but seeking out and cherishing those things that we truly delight in.
