Desire Quote by Anthony de Mello
“A zealous disciple expressed a desire to teach others the Truth and asked the Master what he thought about this. The Master said, "Wait." Each year the disciple would return with the same request and each time the Master would give him the same reply: "Wait." One day he said to the Master, "When will I be ready to teach?" Said the Master, "When your excessive eagerness to teach has left you.”
About This Quote
True readiness to teach arises only after the impulse to share fades, allowing deeper understanding to emerge.
In simple terms: Patience precedes authentic teaching.
Key Takeaway
Eagerness can block insight.
Themes
patience
humility
learning
self‑awareness
spiritual growth
Mood
reflective
calm
thoughtful
Type
aphorism
spiritual teaching
When to use this quote
- seeking mentorship
- preparing a lesson
- spiritual apprenticeship
- personal development
Key Concepts
inner readiness
motivation
teacher‑student dynamic
Practical Applications
- coaching, counseling
- educational training
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be 'ready' to teach?
- How can eagerness become a hindrance?
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
