Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
As a flower that is lovely and beautiful, but is scentless, even so fruitless is the well-spoken word of one who practices it not.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Words without actions are empty and lack true value.
This quote by Gautama Buddha emphasizes the importance of aligning our words with our actions. Just as a beautiful flower that lacks scent fails to fulfill its potential, well-spoken words that are not backed by genuine practice and behavior are ultimately fruitless and devoid of real meaning.
Themes
WordsActionsTruthPracticeValue
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about integrity can highlight the importance of living your values.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes βA kind man who makes good use of wealth is rightly said to possess a great treasure; but the miser who hoards up his riches will have no profit.
Gautama BuddhaRead
There are having flowers in Spring, breezes in Summer, moon in Autumn, snows in Winter. If there is nothing worrying over you, it will be the best seasons at all times.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Make an island of yourself, make yourself your refuge; there is no other refuge. Make truth your island, make truth your refuge; there is no other refuge.
Gautama BuddhaRead
When a wise man is advised of his errors, he will reflect on and improve his conduct. When his misconduct is pointed out, a foolish man will not only disregard the advice but rather repeat the same error.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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