Desire Quote by Al-Ghazali
“Desires make slaves out of kings and patience makes kings out of slaves.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Book of Knowledge, 1110
Powerful desires enslave rulers; patience grants them wisdom and humility.
In simple terms: Desire = bondage; patience = freedom.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate patience, temper desire.
Themes
power
patience
humility
Mood
reflective
serene
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal goals
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
self‑control
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How can patience be balanced with decisive action?
- When does desire become necessary?
A Different Perspective
Patience alone may not change circumstances.
![“The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d6b/fanny-burney-7403_boast_the-laws-of-custom-make-our-returning-a_580819.jpg)
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