Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
One who is wise and disciplined, always kind and intelligent, humble and free from pride. One like this will be praised.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom combines discipline, kindness, humility, and intelligence, leading to praise.
This quote by Gautama Buddha highlights the qualities of a truly wise person. It suggests that wisdom is not just about knowledge but encompasses a balanced character that includes discipline, kindness, humility, and intelligence. Such a person is free from pride and is therefore more likely to be respected and admired by others. The essence of the quote signifies that moral virtues and intellectual capabilities together form the foundation of true wisdom, and those who embody these traits earn the praise and admiration of society.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech highlighting the importance of character beyond academic achievement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Similar quotes
Once we realize that imperfect understanding is the human condition there is no shame in being wrong, only in failing to correct our mistakes.
If we had no hope - for a cure, for winning the lottery, for falling in love, for the end of war, for being free of abuse, or for having food, warmth, clothing, and shelter - we would have no reason to go on. What you hope for doesn't matter, but rather the essence of hope itself.
She closed one eye and looked at me and said, "I know there is a blessing in this somewhere." It is worth living long enough to outlast whatever sense of grievance you may acquire. Another reason why you must be careful of your health.
Your failures won't hurt you until you start blaming them on others.
Because he (the Sage) demands no honor, he will never be dishonored.
Purity is when there is no anxiety, no worry, no thinking.