Cleverness Quote by Rumi
“No better love than love with no objective, no more satisfying work than work with no purpose. If you could give up tricks and cleverness, that would be the cleverest trick!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks, 1995
Love and work are most fulfilling when they lack external goals, allowing pure, selfless engagement.
In simple terms: True love and work are selfless and purpose‑driven.
Seek selfless love and work.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- career choices
- creative pursuits
- volunteer work
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does love without an objective feel like?
- How can you find purpose beyond external goals?
Self‑less love may lead to dependency; purpose‑driven work can cause burnout if not balanced.