Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom is demonstrated through one's character and actions rather than just words.
This quote emphasizes that wisdom should not be measured by the amount of speech or rhetoric one displays, but rather through qualities such as peace, love, and courage. It suggests that a truly wise individual embodies these virtues, showing that wisdom is not about knowledge alone, but also about how one lives and treats others.
Themes
WisdomPeaceLoveFearlessnessCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of character over mere intelligence.
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.
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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.
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The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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Enlightenment for a wave is the moment the wave realizes it is water. At that moment, all fear of death disappears.
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