This quote is a paradoxical statement that explores the concept of unlearning, communication beyond words, and the innate wisdom that lies beyond conventional knowledge. The idea of finding a man who has ‘forgotten words’ is a metaphorical way of referring to someone who has transcended beyond the superficiality of language, someone who understands the world not just through words but through a deeper, innate, and intuitive understanding.

Zhuangzi is essentially expressing a desire to communicate with someone on a plane that transcends spoken or written language. He is seeking a connection with someone who can understand the essence of things without them being articulated in words. This is a profound exploration of the limitations of language, as words can often fail to capture the depth and complexity of certain experiences, emotions, or philosophical concepts.

In today’s world, this quote could be applied in various ways. In the context of personal development, it suggests the importance of cultivating a deeper level of understanding and intuition, beyond what is conventionally taught or expressed. It encourages us to question our reliance on language as the primary tool for understanding the world around us, and to seek knowledge and wisdom that lies beyond words.

In social and interpersonal contexts, it could be interpreted as a call for more empathetic and intuitive communication, where we try to understand each other not just through words but also through non-verbal cues, shared experiences, and emotional connections.

In a broader societal context, it can be seen as a critique of our over-reliance on rhetoric, labels, and categories, which often oversimplify complex issues and can lead to misunderstanding and division. It encourages us to transcend these linguistic barriers and strive for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the world around us.