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Cynicism Quote by Idries Shah

“When you observe that today's controversies often reveal not relevance but the clash of the untaught with the wrongly taught, and when you can endure this knowledge without cynicism, as a lover of humankind, greater compensations will be open to you than a sense of your own importance or…” quote by Idries Shah
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““When you observe that today's controversies often reveal not relevance but the clash of the untaught with the wrongly taught, and when you can endure this knowledge without cynicism, as a lover of humankind, greater compensations will be open to you than a sense of your own importance or satisfaction in thinking about the unreliability of others.””

Idries Shah

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Sufis, 1964

Understanding disagreements as mismatched knowledge rather than personal attacks fosters patience and humility.

In simple terms: Disagreements stem from learning gaps.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility in conflict.

Themes

humility learning conflict resolution

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • debate
  • teaching
  • cross‑cultural dialogue
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

education cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you identify the root of a disagreement?
  • What steps help you stay non‑cynical?
A Different Perspective

Assuming ignorance can excuse harmful behavior.

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