Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
When one feels no shame in telling a deliberate lie, there is no evil, I tell you, he will not do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns against the dangers of dishonesty, suggesting that a person who lies without remorse is capable of any wrongdoing.
Gautama Buddha's quote highlights the moral implications of lying and the state of mind associated with it. When an individual can easily tell a deliberate lie without feeling shame, it indicates a deeper corruption of character, meaning they are likely to commit various other wrongdoings without remorse or conscience. The essence is that a lack of integrity can lead to a complete dissolution of moral values.
Themes
LieShameEvilMoralityTruth
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about integrity and ethics in business.
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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