Believe Quote by Al-Maʿarri
“Reason forbade me many things which, Instinctively, my nature was attracted to; And a perpetual loss I feel if, knowing, I believe a falsehood or deny the truth.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Epistle of the Brethren, Al-Maʿarri, 11th century
Instinct draws us toward forbidden pleasures, yet conscience forces us to reject falsehoods, creating inner conflict.
In simple terms: Nature pulls toward temptation; reason demands truth.
Key Takeaway
Balance instinct with moral truth.
Themes
conflict
morality
human nature
Mood
reflective
conflicted
introspective
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- ethical dilemmas
- creative expression
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths do you compromise to avoid discomfort?
- When is following instinct morally justified?
A Different Perspective
Instinct can sometimes guide beneficial choices; not all impulses are harmful.
![“Give a drink of water as alms to the birds which go forth at morning, and deem that they have a better right than men [to thy charity]. For their race brings not harm upon thee in any wise, when thou fearest it from thine own race.” quote by Al-Maʿarri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/915/al-ma-arri-47224_alms_give-a-drink-of-water-as-alms-to-the-bir_171746.jpg)
