When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
People who deliberate fully before they take a step will spend their lives on one leg
Interpretation
What this quote means
Overthinking can lead to inaction, preventing progress in life.
This quote by Anthony De Mello highlights the tendency of some individuals to overanalyze situations before making decisions. While careful deliberation is important, excessive caution can result in missed opportunities and a stagnant life, akin to a person standing on one legβunable to move forward.
Themes
OverthinkingDeliberationActionDecision-MakingProgress
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about decision-making.
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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