When the belly is empty, the body becomes spirit; and when it is full, the spirit becomes body.
SaadiRead
Inflict not on an enemy every injury in your power, for he may afterwards become your friend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Avoid causing harm to your enemies as they could become allies in the future.
This quote suggests a deeper understanding of human relationships, emphasizing that actions taken in hostility can have long-term ramifications. By showing restraint and mercy towards an adversary, one opens the possibility for reconciliation and friendship, indicating the importance of compassion even in conflict.
Themes
EnemiesFriendshipRestraintCompassionWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about conflict resolution, one might use this quote to advocate for peaceful negotiations.
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.
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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.
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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?
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Ants, fighting together, will vanquish the lion.
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An enemy to whom you show kindness becomes your friend, excepting lust, the indulgence of which increases its enmity.
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