Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Those who are ashamed of what they ought not to be ashamed; and are not ashamed of what they ought to be - such men, embracing erroneous views, enter the woeful path.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of having the right sense of shame, indicating that people often feel ashamed of things they shouldn't and vice versa.
Gautama Buddha's quote suggests that an incorrect sense of shame can lead individuals down a misguided path. It emphasizes the necessity of discerning what is truly worthy of shame and taking responsibility for one's actions and beliefs. Those who fail to align their feelings of shame with their moral compass risk embracing false views, which can ultimately lead to suffering and regret.
Themes
ShameWisdomMoralitySelf-AwarenessResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussing moral dilemmas, this quote could be used to illustrate the importance of understanding one's own values.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes →A 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.
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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.
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