A little and a little, collected together, becomes a great deal; the heap in the barn consists of single grains, and drop and drop make the inundation. ~Saadi
A man is insensible to the relish of prosperity until he has tasted adversity. ~Saadi
Better hold the hand for coin, though small, Than lose, for one half a dang, it all. ~Saadi
He that has acquired learning and nor practised what he has learnt, is like a man who ploughs but sows no seed. ~Saadi
He who is a slave to his stomach seldom worships God. ~Saadi
How do I get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. Practice. Practice. ~Saadi
I fear God, and next to God, I mostly fear them that fear Him not. ~Saadi
Nothing is so good for an ignorant man as silence; and if he was sensible of this he would not be ignorant. ~Saadi
O wise man, wash your hands of that friend who associates with your enemies. ~Saadi
Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become an enemy. And bring not all the mischief you are able to do upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend. ~Saadi
Roam abroad in the world, and take thy fill of its enjoyments before the day shall come when thou must quit it for good. ~Saadi
Tell no one the secret that you want to keep, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of your secret as yourself. ~Saadi
The bad fortune of the good turns their faces up to heaven; the good fortune of the bad bows their heads down to the earth. ~Saadi
The best loved by God are those that are rich, yet have the humility of the poor, and those that are poor and have the magnanimity of the rich. ~Saadi
The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together. ~Saadi
When the belly is empty, the body becomes spirit; and when it is full, the spirit becomes body. ~Saadi
Whenever you argue with another wiser than yourself in order that others may admire your wisdom, they will discover your ignorance. ~Saadi
Saadi, also known as Sheikh Saadi Shirazi, was a 13th-century Persian poet and writer. His works have transcended time and continue to inspire and guide people with their profound wisdom. In this article, we’ll explore some of Saadi’s most thought-provoking quotes and the valuable life lessons they impart.
A Little and a Little: The Power of Accumulation
“A little and a little, collected together, becomes a great deal; the heap in the barn consists of single grains, and drop and drop make the inundation.”
Saadi’s words remind us of the power of persistence and gradual progress. Sometimes, we become impatient and want instant results, but this quote teaches us that success often comes from small, consistent efforts over time. Just as grains add up to a barn full of food and drops form an inundation, our small daily actions can lead to significant achievements.
Tasting Adversity to Savor Prosperity
“A man is insensible to the relish of prosperity until he has tasted adversity.”
This quote speaks to the idea that experiencing challenges and setbacks can deepen our appreciation for the good times in life. Adversity teaches us resilience, empathy, and gratitude. When we’ve faced difficulties, we’re better equipped to savor and value the moments of prosperity that follow.
Value of Prudent Financial Decisions
“Better hold the hand for coin, though small, Than lose, for one half a dang, it all.”
Saadi’s advice on financial prudence is timeless. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding what we have, even if it seems insignificant. Often, small savings can add up to significant wealth over time, while reckless spending can lead to financial ruin.
The Practicality of Knowledge
“He that has acquired learning and not practiced what he has learned is like a man who ploughs but sows no seed.”
This quote underscores the importance of applying knowledge in our lives. Learning without practical application is futile. It’s equivalent to putting in the effort to prepare a field for farming but neglecting to sow the seeds. True growth and benefit come from the application of what we’ve learned.
Balancing Material and Spiritual Needs
“He who is a slave to his stomach seldom worships God.”
Saadi’s words remind us not to become excessively consumed by our material desires. It’s crucial to find a balance between our physical needs and our spiritual well-being. An obsession with worldly pleasures can distract us from our spiritual journey and higher purpose.
The Key to Mastery: Practice
“How do I get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. Practice. Practice.”
While Saadi might not have been referring to the famous concert hall in this quote, the message is clear: practice is the path to mastery. Whether it’s music, sports, or any other skill, consistent practice is the key to achieving excellence.
Fear of God and Fear of Irreligiousness
“I fear God, and next to God, I mostly fear them that fear Him not.”
Here, Saadi emphasizes the importance of both reverence for God and vigilance against those who lack faith. It’s a reminder to surround ourselves with people who share our values and beliefs while respecting the diversity of perspectives in the world.
The Virtue of Silence
“Nothing is so good for an ignorant man as silence; and if he was sensible of this, he would not be ignorant.”
Saadi’s quote encourages us to appreciate the virtue of silence. In a world filled with noise and distractions, silence allows for reflection, self-awareness, and learning. Those who embrace silence can find wisdom even in ignorance.
Choosing Friends Wisely
“O wise man, wash your hands of that friend who associates with your enemies.”
This quote underscores the importance of choosing friends who share our values and principles. Associating with those who align themselves with our adversaries can lead to betrayals and conflicts that are best avoided.
Secrets, Friends, and Enemies
“Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become an enemy. And bring not all the mischief you are able to do upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.”
Saadi’s advice on secrecy is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of relationships. While trust and openness are essential, it’s wise to exercise caution in disclosing sensitive information. Circumstances change, and someone who was once a friend may turn into an adversary and vice versa.
Embrace Life’s Joys and Pleasures
“Roam abroad in the world, and take thy fill of its enjoyments before the day shall come when thou must quit it for good.”
This quote encourages us to seize the opportunities for joy and pleasure that life offers. It reminds us that life is fleeting, and we should savor its experiences while we can. Exploring the world and indulging in its beauty and wonders can bring fulfillment and cherished memories.
The Art of Keeping Secrets
“Tell no one the secret that you want to keep, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of your secret as yourself.”
Saadi’s wisdom on keeping secrets emphasizes personal responsibility. While trust is vital in relationships, it’s wise to rely on ourselves as the ultimate guardians of our most cherished secrets. This approach ensures that our confidences remain safe.
The Paradox of Fortune
“The bad fortune of the good turns their faces up to heaven; the good fortune of the bad bows their heads down to the earth.”
This quote explores the paradox of fate and character. It suggests that those with virtuous hearts find solace in adversity, looking to a higher power for strength. In contrast, the wicked may experience success but find it difficult to look themselves in the mirror.
The Virtue of Humility
“The best loved by God are those that are rich, yet have the humility of the poor, and those that are poor and have the magnanimity of the rich.”
Saadi’s words remind us that wealth, whether material or spiritual, should be accompanied by humility. True richness lies in the balance between possessing abundance and maintaining a humble heart. It’s a call to avoid arrogance and entitlement, regardless of our circumstances.
Life’s Dualities: Rose and Thorn
“The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together.”
Saadi’s quote reflects the inherent dualities of life. Just as the beauty of a rose comes with the prick of thorns, moments of joy are often intertwined with sorrow. Recognizing and accepting these dualities can help us navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.
The Transformation of Hunger
“When the belly is empty, the body becomes spirit, and when it is full, the spirit becomes body.”
This quote beautifully captures the transformation that occurs when our physical needs are met or unmet. When we’re hungry or in need, our focus shifts to higher concerns. Conversely, when we’re satiated, our material needs take precedence. It’s a reminder to balance our physical and spiritual selves.
The Pitfall of Ego-Driven Arguments
“Whenever you argue with another wiser than yourself in order that others may admire your wisdom, they will discover your ignorance.”
Saadi’s words serve as a caution against ego-driven arguments. Engaging in debates solely for the purpose of appearing knowledgeable can backfire. It’s better to seek genuine understanding and wisdom rather than attempting to impress others with empty rhetoric.
In conclusion, Saadi’s timeless quotes offer valuable life lessons that continue to resonate with people across cultures and generations. Whether it’s the importance of patience and persistence, the wisdom of financial prudence, or the significance of humility and gratitude, Saadi’s insights provide a guide to living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. By reflecting on these quotes and applying their wisdom to our own lives, we can navigate the complexities of existence with greater insight and grace.