My dear heart, never think you are better than others. Listen to their sorrows with compassion. If you want peace, don't harbor bad thoughts, do not gossip and don't teach what you do not know.
RumiRead
If you look too closely at the form, you miss the Essence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focusing too much on superficial details can prevent you from understanding the deeper significance of something.
This quote by Rumi underscores the idea that paying excessive attention to form—appearances or surface-level details—can lead to a misunderstanding or ignorance of the true essence or deeper meaning of a subject. It emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the obvious to appreciate the fundamental truths and values that lie beneath the surface.
Themes
EssenceFormUnderstandingPhilosophyPerception
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about art, one might say this quote to remind others to appreciate the deeper meaning behind the artwork.
More from Rumi
All quotes →The Law of Wonder rules my life at last, _x000D_ ...I burn each second of my life to Love _x000D_ Each second of my life burns out in Love _x000D_ In each leaping second Love lives afresh.
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Lovers have heartaches _x000D_ That can't be cured by drugs _x000D_ Or sleep, _x000D_ Or games, _x000D_ But only by seeing their beloved.
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Every fragile beauty, every perfect forgotten sentence, you grieve their going away, but that is not how it is. Where they come from never goes dry. It is an always flowing spring.
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Whatever you keep hidden in your heart, God _x000D_ manifests in you outwardly. Whatever the root of _x000D_ the tree feeds on in secret, affects the bough and _x000D_ the leaf.
RumiRead
Come on sweetheart let's adore one another before there is no more of you and me
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