proverb · Words worth keeping
Disregard what it seems absurd and you might fail to understand.
Disregard what it seems absurd and you might fail to understand.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Dismissing apparent absurdity warned to obstruct understanding asks a reader to examine before rejecting. The saying gives unfamiliar or puzzling ideas a chance to be considered.
What the words are saying
A responsible interpretation does not require accepting an unsupported claim or make absurd appearance proof of hidden truth. A useful application clarifies what is meant and checks evidence. The source’s irregular phrasing remains unchanged, and inquiry can reasonably end with rejection after examination.
Everyday example
Someone asks for a clear explanation of a puzzling proposal before judging whether it is supported.
When to use it
Use it to encourage examination without credulity.
What it does not mean
No truth in every unusual claim or duty to accept one is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Egypt
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 603; PDF page 56; collection label: Egypt
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Egypt