When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
The only way someone can be of help to you is in challenging your ideas.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Challenge is essential for growth and improvement.
This quote by Anthony De Mello emphasizes the importance of being open to criticism and the value of having others challenge our thoughts and beliefs. It suggests that true help comes not from blind agreement but from constructive dialogue that encourages us to refine our ideas and perceptions.
Themes
ChallengeHelpIdeasGrowthCriticism
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on personal development, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of feedback.
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
Similar quotes
That knowledge humbles me, melts my bones, closes my ears, and makes my teeth rock loosely in their gums. And it also liberates me. I am a big bird winging over high mountains, down into serene valleys. I am ripples of waves on silver seas. I'm a spring leaf trembling in anticipation.
Maya AngelouRead
Do not wait for the healing to arrive. It will never come. The holes will never leave or be filled with anything at all. But holes are interesting things.
Augusten BurroughsRead
Deep down in me I knowed it was a lie, and He knowed it. You can't pray a lie - I found that out.
Mark TwainRead
Just go with it. It won't hurt.' I stared at him. Adults only ever said that when it, whatever it happened to be, was going to hurt so much.
Neil GaimanRead
Self-awareness is not self-centeredness, and spirituality is not narcissism. 'Know thyself' is not a narcissistic pursuit.
Marianne WilliamsonRead
I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that every-thing will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.
Anne FrankRead