The worst of guardians is a cruel ruler. Beware of becoming one of them.
It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad, and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent, but silence is better than idle words.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of choosing one's company wisely and valuing meaningful conversations over idle talk.
The quote highlights the significance of social interactions, advocating for the choice of companions carefully. It suggests that being alone is preferable to being in the company of negative influences, but engaging with positive individuals is even more beneficial. Additionally, it values knowledge and meaningful dialogue over silence, yet asserts that silence is preferable to meaningless chatter, thus promoting a thoughtful approach to both relationships and communication.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about friendship, one might use this quote to stress the importance of positive influences.
More from Muhammad
All quotes →In Paradise there are things which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has thought of.
It is not within the character of a believer to curse, to damn, to speak or act improperly.
There will be no hatred or resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify God, morning and evening.
The best jihad is to speak a word of justice to an oppressive ruler.
Love for one's country is part of faith.
Similar quotes
To spend more money, you have to have more money, but time is fixed and we all have the same amount to spare. How we choose to spend it can make a significant difference on the impact we have in our careers or in the world.
Life is a great university for the unfolding of the mind, for developing character. In choosing our life work, when we are free to choose, we should remember this, and choose that which will call the biggest man or woman out of us and not that from which we can coin the most dollars.
What’s more, you’re loads better than you think you are.” “So why is it I get to thinking that way?” I puzzled. “That’s because you’re only half-living.” she said briskly. “The other half is still untapped somewhere.
Every duty is a charge, but the charge of oneself is the root of all others.
When the mind withdraws into itself and dispenses with facts it makes only chaos.
He who understands Archimedes and Apollonius will admire less the achievements of the foremost men of later times.