The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others.
Solomon Ibn GabirolRead
Plan for this world as if you expect to live forever; but plan for the hereafter as if you expect to die tomorrow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Balance your earthly responsibilities with your spiritual preparation.
This quote emphasizes the importance of designing one's life with long-term goals and aspirations in mind while simultaneously prioritizing spiritual and moral readiness for the afterlife. It suggests that while we should invest in our current lives and make detailed plans, we must also remain mindful of our mortality and the impermanence of earthly existence.
Themes
PlanLifeAfterlifeMortalityBalance
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about pursuing dreams while remaining grounded in ethical values.
More from Solomon Ibn Gabirol
All quotes →A wise man's questions contain half the answer.
Solomon Ibn GabirolRead
Kings may be judges of the earth, but wise men are the judges of kings.
Solomon Ibn GabirolRead
Your secret is your prisoner; once you reveal it, you become its slave.
Solomon Ibn GabirolRead
As long as a word remains unspoken, you are its master; once you utter it, you are its slave.
Solomon Ibn GabirolRead
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