The philosophical differences between Eastern and Western traditions are numerous and nuanced, reflecting distinct cultural, historical, and religious contexts. While there can be overlaps and intersections, some key points of contention include:

1. Metaphysics and Ontology: Eastern philosophies, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, often emphasize the interconnectedness of all things and the impermanent nature of reality. Concepts like karma, rebirth, and the interconnectedness of life are central. In contrast, Western philosophies, particularly those stemming from ancient Greek thought, focus more on the distinction between being and becoming, the nature of being, and the pursuit of objective truth.
2. Epistemology: Eastern philosophies tend to prioritize direct experience, intuition, and contemplative practices as means of acquiring knowledge. For instance, in Zen Buddhism, direct realization through meditation is valued. Meanwhile, Western traditions have historically leaned towards rationalism and empiricism, emphasizing logic, reason, and empirical observation as paths to knowledge.
3. Ethics and Morality: While both Eastern and Western philosophies address questions of ethics and morality, they often approach them from different perspectives. For example, Western ethics may be more rule-based or grounded in theories like utilitarianism or deontology, whereas Eastern ethics might emphasize virtues, harmony, and the cultivation of moral character.
4. Individual vs. Collective: There’s often a distinction in emphasis between individualism and collectivism. Western philosophy, particularly in its modern iterations, often places a strong emphasis on individual rights, autonomy, and freedom. In contrast, many Eastern philosophies place greater importance on the community, social harmony, and the interconnectedness of individuals with society.
5. Time and Change: Eastern philosophies often view time and change as cyclical or fluid, emphasizing processes of growth, decay, and renewal. In contrast, Western philosophies, particularly influenced by Judeo-Christian traditions, may have a linear view of time, with a distinct beginning and end, and a teleological understanding of history.
6. Nature of the Self: Eastern philosophies often challenge the Western notion of a fixed, enduring self. Instead, they may posit a more fluid, interconnected understanding of the self, sometimes even suggesting that the self is an illusion to be transcended. This contrasts with Western philosophies that often emphasize the individual self as the locus of identity and agency.
7. Approach to Reality: Eastern philosophies tend to adopt a more holistic and intuitive approach to reality, often seeking to dissolve dualities and conceptual distinctions. Western philosophies, on the other hand, frequently employ analytical and reductionist methods to understand reality, seeking to dissect and categorize phenomena.

These points, while highlighting some general differences, also reflect the diversity within each tradition and the ongoing dialogue and exchange that occurs between Eastern and Western philosophical thought.

The phrase “never the twain shall meet” originates from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “The Ballad of East and West,” published in 1889. The full line is: “Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.”

This phrase has been widely interpreted to suggest the irreconcilable differences between Eastern and Western cultures, including their philosophies, worldviews, and ways of life. It implies that the gap between these two perspectives is so vast and fundamental that they can never truly understand or reconcile with each other.

However, while there are certainly significant differences between Eastern and Western thought, it’s important to recognize that this phrase doesn’t reflect an absolute truth. In reality, there has been significant exchange, interaction, and cross-pollination between Eastern and Western cultures throughout history.

In recent times, globalization, advancements in communication and transportation, and increased scholarly interest in comparative philosophy have facilitated greater dialogue and understanding between Eastern and Western traditions. While differences remain, there are also areas of convergence and mutual enrichment. Therefore, while the phrase captures a historical sentiment, it doesn’t accurately represent the current state of cultural and philosophical exchange.