When the belly is empty, the body becomes spirit; and when it is full, the spirit becomes body.
SaadiRead
An enemy to whom you show kindness becomes your friend, excepting lust, the indulgence of which increases its enmity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Showing kindness to an enemy can turn them into a friend, but lust can worsen the situation.
This quote by Saadi highlights the transformative power of kindness in relationships. It suggests that acts of kindness can dissolve animosity and forge friendships even with those who may initially seem like enemies. However, it warns that certain indulgences, such as lust, can complicate and worsen these dynamics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of one's intentions and actions.
Themes
KindnessFriendshipEnemiesRelationshipsLove
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about conflict resolution, one might use this quote to illustrate how kindness can change perceptions.
More from Saadi
All quotes βA friend whom you have been gaining during your whole life, you ought not to be displeased with in a moment. A stone is many years becoming a ruby - take care that you do not destroy it in an instant against another stone.
SaadiRead
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.
SaadiRead
However much you study, you cannot know without action. A donkey laden with books is neither an intellectual nor a wise man. Empty of essence, what learning has he whether upon him is firewood or book?
SaadiRead
Ants, fighting together, will vanquish the lion.
SaadiRead
Human beings are members of a whole,_x000D_ In creation of one essence and soul._x000D_ If one member is afflicted with pain,_x000D_ Other members uneasy will remain._x000D_ If you have no sympathy for human pain,_x000D_ The name of human you cannot retain.
SaadiRead
Similar quotes
Everyone calls himself a friend, but only a fool relies on it; nothing is commoner than the name, nothing rarer than the thing.
Jean De La FontaineRead
I am not of that feather, to shake off my friend when he must need me
William ShakespeareRead
You're brave. You are the bravest person I know, and you are my friend. I don't care if you are imaginary.
Neil GaimanRead
Aziraphale. The Enemy, of course. But an enemy for six thousand years now, which made him a sort of friend.
Terry PratchettRead
For I do not want any one to read my book carelessly. I have suffered too much grief in setting down these memories. Six years have already passed since my friend went away from me, with his sheep. If I try to describe him here, it is to make sure that I shall not forget him. To forget a friend is sad. Not every one has had a friend. And if I forget him, I may become like the grown-ups who are no longer interested in anything but figures.
Antoine De Saint-ExuperyRead
We are easily comforted for the misfortunes of our friends, when those misfortunes give us an occasion of expressing our affection and solicitude.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead