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The king said, ‘What wisdom have you gained from this…

“The king said, ‘What wisdom have you gained from this event?’ The scholar replied: ‘I now understand that if anyone were to remain perceptive to the real condition of men all the time, he would go mad.’ The dervish told him: ‘Now you know that the dervish lore includes the knowledge of when to be…” quote by Idries Shah
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““The king said, ‘What wisdom have you gained from this event?’ The scholar replied: ‘I now understand that if anyone were to remain perceptive to the real condition of men all the time, he would go mad.’ The dervish told him: ‘Now you know that the dervish lore includes the knowledge of when to be awake and when to remain asleep.””

Idries Shah

About This Quote

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

Constant vigilance about human nature can drive one to madness; wisdom includes knowing when to observe and when to rest.

In simple terms: Always watching people can make you crazy; know when to pause.

Key Takeaway

Balance awareness with rest.

Themes

philosophy psychology wisdom mindfulness

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • teaching
  • personal growth
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

cognitive overload mental health spiritual practice

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it wise to step back?
  • How does rest improve insight?
A Different Perspective

Too much scrutiny can cause paranoia.

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