Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
However many holy words you read, However many you speak, What good will they do you If you do not act on upon them?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reading and speaking about wisdom is meaningless without action.
This quote emphasizes the importance of putting knowledge into practice. It suggests that simply acquiring knowledge or discussing philosophical ideas is insufficient if one does not take action based on that understanding. True wisdom comes from applying what we learn and believe in our daily lives.
Themes
WisdomActionKnowledgePracticeBuddha
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth, to emphasize the need for taking action on learned knowledge.
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.
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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.
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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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Linus PaulingRead
One man's word is no man's word; we should quietly hear both sides.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
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Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.
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Victor HugoRead