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If you do not possess the staff of caution and discrimination, use the eyes of him who sees. If there is no staff of caution and discrimination, do not wander on the road without a guide.
Rumi
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of caution and discernment in navigating life’s paths.

Rumi's quote suggests that in the absence of personal wisdom or discernment, one should rely on the insights and experiences of others. The metaphor of needing a 'staff' implies that cautiousness and clear judgment are essential tools for making wise decisions, and if these tools are lacking, it is safer to follow someone who can guide you through uncertainty.

Themes

CautionDiscriminationWisdomGuidanceRumi

In practice

Example use cases

During a seminar on decision-making, this quote can illustrate the value of cautious judgment.

More from Rumi

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.
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Every fragile beauty, every perfect forgotten sentence, you grieve their going away, but that is not how it is. Where they come from never goes dry. It is an always flowing spring.
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Whatever you keep hidden in your heart, God _x000D_ manifests in you outwardly. Whatever the root of _x000D_ the tree feeds on in secret, affects the bough and _x000D_ the leaf.
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Come on sweetheart let's adore one another before there is no more of you and me
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