When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
People who want a cure, provided they can have it without pain, are like those who favour progress, provided they can have it without change.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True progress often requires facing discomfort and making changes.
This quote emphasizes the human tendency to seek improvement and healing while avoiding the necessary challenges and discomfort that come with those processes. It points out that genuine progress and personal development demand an acceptance of change and pain, which many people are reluctant to embrace.
Themes
ProgressChangePainGrowthDevelopment
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal development.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes βPerfect love casts out fear. Where there is love there are no demands, no expectations, no dependency. I do not demand that you make me happy; my happiness does not lie in you. If you were to leave me, I will not feel sorry for myself; I enjoy your company immensely, but I do not cling.
Anthony De MelloRead
The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
Anthony De MelloRead
The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
Anthony De MelloRead
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
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