In simple terms, the quote suggests that one can recognize how different elements interact with each other but does not inherently judge these interactions as positive or negative. The speaker emphasizes that without a specific context and objective to guide their evaluation, they refrain from assigning moral value judgments like "good" or "bad" to phenomena.
Delving deeper into this perspective reveals the underlying philosophy of neutrality and objectivity in observing reality. This viewpoint encourages individuals to observe and understand how things influence each other without being influenced by preconceived notions of what is right or wrong. By adopting such an approach, one can gain a clearer picture of the true nature of events and their consequences, allowing for more informed and unbiased decision-making. The quote also hints at the importance of context and goal orientation in evaluating outcomes; it suggests that without these frameworks, making value judgments might be arbitrary.
The author of this quote is Tao Lin, an American novelist, poet, and essayist known for his experimental style and exploration of themes such as boredom, isolation, and spirituality. His work often reflects a detached yet observant perspective on the world around him, which aligns with the sentiments expressed in the quote about maintaining objectivity without moral judgment.