Throughout history many nations have suffered a physical defeat, but that has never marked the end of a nation. But when a nation has become the victim of a psychological defeat, then that marks the end of a nation.
Interpretation
A nation's survival relies more on its spirit and morale than on physical power.
This quote by Ibn Khaldun emphasizes the critical distinction between physical and psychological defeat. It suggests that while nations can endure physical losses, the true downfall occurs when they face a psychological defeat, which damages their identity, confidence, and unity, ultimately leading to their demise. This reflects the importance of mental resilience in the face of challenges.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about national unity during challenging times.
Geometry enlightens the intellect and sets one's mind right. All of its proofs are very clear and orderly. It is hardly possible for errors to enter into geometrical reasoning, because it is well arranged and orderly. Thus, the mind that constantly applies itself to geometry is not likely to fall into error. In this convenient way, the person who knows geometry acquires intelligence.
All the sciences came to exist in Arabic. The systematic works on them were written in Arabic writing.
He who finds a new path is a pathfinder, even if the trail has to be found again by others; and he who walks far ahead of his contemporaries is a leader, even though centuries pass before he is recognized as such.
The past resembles the future more than one drop of water resembles another.
A written discourse on any subject is bound to contain much that is fanciful.
The beautiful souls are they that are universal, open, and ready for all things.
Thus it happens in matters of state; for knowing afar off (which it is only given a prudent man to do) the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But when, for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow so that everyone can recognize them, there is no longer any remedy to be found.
The balance of power is the scale of peace. The same balance would be preserved were all the world not destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside ... Horrid mischief would ensue were one half the world deprived of the use of them ... the weak will become prey to the strong.
The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.
Character is revealed through action.
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