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
He whose intellect overcomes his lust is higher than the angels; he whose lust overcomes his intelligence is less than an animal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of intellect over base desires, suggesting that true elevation comes from mastering one's urges.
In this quote, Rumi draws a stark contrast between the power of intellect and the weakness of succumbing to carnal desires. He proposes that a person who can control their lust and act from a place of intellect is spiritually superior, akin to angels, while those who are dominated by their desires regress to a state lower than animals. It highlights the importance of self-control and the elevation of the human spirit through the mastery of one's instincts.
Themes
IntellectLustSelf-ControlDesireMastery
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about personal development and self-mastery.
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