Skip to content

Greed takes a person to the watering place but gets him…

“Greed takes a person to the watering place but gets him back without letting him drink. It undertakes responsibility but does not fulfill it. Often the drinker gets choked before quenching his thirst. The greater the worth of a thing yearned for, the greater is the grief for its loss. Desires…” quote by Ali ibn Abi Talib
Download Open image
“Greed takes a person to the watering place but gets him back without letting him drink. It undertakes responsibility but does not fulfill it. Often the drinker gets choked before quenching his thirst. The greater the worth of a thing yearned for, the greater is the grief for its loss. Desires blind the eyes of understanding. The destined share would reach him who does not approach it.”

Ali ibn Abi Talib

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Desire for something unattainable leads to frustration and unfulfilled responsibility, causing suffering.

In simple terms: Chasing impossible wants causes pain and emptiness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits and seek realistic goals.

Themes

desire frustration responsibility grief

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal ambition
  • financial goals
  • relationship expectations
  • spiritual quests

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What desires are truly essential?
  • How can you channel longing into constructive action?
A Different Perspective

Desire can motivate growth if balanced with realistic assessment.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ali ibn Abi Talib

Explore all 135 Ali ibn Abi Talib quotes

More Approach quotes

Browse all 3,949 Approach quotes