Don’t go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by…
““Don’t go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by scripture, by logical conjecture, by inference, by analogies, by agreement through pondering views, by probability, or by the thought, “This contemplative is our teacher.” When you know for yourselves that, “These qualities are unskillful; these qualities are blameworthy; these qualities are criticized by the wise; these qualities, when adopted & carried out, lead to harm & to suffering”—then you should abandon them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns against blindly following any authority or belief without personal verification of its moral impact.
In simple terms: Don’t accept teachings without seeing their harmful effects.
Key Takeaway
Question and reject unskillful qualities.
Themes
critical thinking
self‑reflection
ethical discernment
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- ethical debates
- spiritual study
- psychotherapy
- education
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology
spiritual practice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify the ethical impact of a belief?
- What practices help you recognize unskillful qualities?
A Different Perspective
Personal bias can obscure true harm, making self‑assessment difficult.