Skip to content

They asked Abboud of Omdurman: 'Which is better, to be…

“They asked Abboud of Omdurman: 'Which is better, to be young or to be old?' He said: 'To be old is to have less time before you and more mistakes behind. I leave you to decide whether this is better than the reverse.” quote by Idries Shah
Download Open image
““They asked Abboud of Omdurman: 'Which is better, to be young or to be old?' He said: 'To be old is to have less time before you and more mistakes behind. I leave you to decide whether this is better than the reverse.””

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.

Age brings experience but also less time, prompting reflection on the value of youth versus wisdom

In simple terms: Old age offers wisdom, youth offers time

Key Takeaway

Balance experience with time wisely

Themes

age wisdom time

Mood

thoughtful balanced

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • retirement
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

life cycles reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which stage offers you more advantage?
  • How can you integrate both perspectives?
A Different Perspective

Youthful energy can compensate for lack of experience

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Idries Shah

Explore all 365 Idries Shah quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 39,127 Death quotes