Saadi Quotes
-
No reliance can be placed on the friendship of kings, nor vain hope put in the melodious voice of boys; for that passes away like a vision, and this vanishes like a dream.
-
God preserve us! If men knew what is done in secret, no one would be free from the interference of others.
-
He who learns, and makes no use of his learning, is a beast of burden with a load of books. Does the ass comprehend whether he carries on his back a library or a bundle of faggots?
-
Obedience insures greatness, whilst disobedience leads to a repulse. Whosoever possesseth the qualities of righteousness placeth his head on the threshold of obedience.
-
He who, when he hath the power, doeth not good, when he loses the means will suffer distress. There is not a more unfortunate wretch than the oppressor; for in the day of adversity nobody is his friend.
-
He taught people with his best way. He showed his beauty. He was all good so peace be on him and his family.
-
Man is, beyond dispute, the most excellent of created beings, and the vilest animal is a dog; but the sages agree that a grateful dog is better than an ungrateful man.
-
Every leaf of the tree becomes a page of the book, once the heart is opened and it has learnt to read.
-
Now that another is suffering pain at thy hand, trust not that thy heart shall be exempt from affliction.
-
Whenever thy hand can reach it, tear out the foe's brain, for such an opportunity washes anger from the mind.
-
When you see contention amongst your enemies, go and sit at ease with your friends; but when you see them of one mind, string your bow, and place stones upon the ramparts.
-
Court the society of a superior, and make much of the opportunity; for in the company of an equal thy good fortune must decline.
-
There is a difference between him who claspeth his mistress in his arms, and him whose eyes are fixed on the door expecting her.
-
To tell a falsehood is like the cut of a saber: for though the wound may heal, the scar of it will remain.
-
The covetous map explores the whole world in pursuit of a subsistence, and fate is close at his heels.
-
There is no great difficulty to separate the soul from the body, but it is not so easy to restore life to the dead.
-
When a mean wretch cannot vie with another in virtue, out of his wickedness he begins to slander. The abject envious wretch will slander the virtuous man when absent, but when brought face to face his loquacious tongue becomes dumb.
-
That which is not allotted the hand cannot reach; what is allotted you will find wherever you may be.
-
Take care how you listen to the voice of the flatterer, who, in return for his little stock, expects to derive from you considerable advantage. If one day you do not comply with his wishes, be imputes to you two hundred defects instead of perfections.
-
It is wrong to follow the advice of an adversary; nevertheless it is right to hear it, that you may do the contrary; and this is the essence of good policy.
-
Keep belly lightly loaded, if mind would wisdom see;For bodies crammed to bursting, make empty souls to be.
-
Of journeying the benefits are many: the freshness it bringeth to the heart, the seeing and hearing of marvelous things, the delight of beholding new cities, the meeting of unknown friends, and the learning of high manners.
-
Tell no one the secret that you want to keep, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of your secret as yourself.
-
Much contention and strife will arise in that house where the wife shall get up dissatisfied with her husband.