My dear heart, never think you are better than others. Listen to their sorrows with compassion. If you want peace, don't harbor bad thoughts, do not gossip and don't teach what you do not know.
RumiRead
When you resolve to become pious, the devil in your nature cries out at you, "Tread not those paths, O confused one; distress and poverty will overcome you. You will be despised, let down by friends, you will regret it." Dread of the devil has bound their souls; the cries of the devil are the drover of the damned; the call of the Lord is a guardian of the saints.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the internal struggle faced when pursuing a virtuous path despite temptations and fears of societal rejection.
Rumi reflects on the tension between the desire for piety and the fears instigated by one's inner demons, suggesting that the path to virtue often invites doubt and discouragement. The quote emphasizes that while one might fear abandonment or hardship in the pursuit of righteousness, the divine call towards goodness serves as a guiding light for the faithful, encouraging perseverance despite the voices of despair.
Themes
PietyInner StruggleFearVirtueDevilSoul
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech about overcoming personal fears while striving for greatness.
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