--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Make no friendship with an elephant…" description: "\"Make no friendship with an elephant keeper If you have no room to entertain an elephant\" — Saadi" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31c/saadi-2340_animal_make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keep_1700484.png" --- # Make no friendship with an elephant keeper If you have no… ![“Make no friendship with an elephant keeper If you have no room to entertain an elephant” quote by Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31c/saadi-2340_animal_make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keep_1700484.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31c/saadi-2340_animal_make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keep_1700484.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31c/saadi-2340_animal_make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keep_1700484.png) > “Make no friendship with an elephant keeper If you have no room to entertain an elephant” [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Avoid taking on responsibilities that exceed your capacity, especially burdensome ones. **In simple terms:** Don’t accept more than you can handle. Key Takeaway Know your limits before committing. Themes responsibility boundaries self‑care Mood cautious reflective Type advice wisdom When to use this quote - family obligations - business partnerships - volunteering - friendships Key Concepts Stoicism personal limits Questions to Reflect On - What commitments are you stretching yourself too thin? - How can you politely decline excessive demands? A Different Perspective If you ignore the warning, you may become overwhelmed and resentful. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Animal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) [Elephant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elephant/) [Elephants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elephants/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Islamic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/islamic/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [My wife and I, we started a foundation about companion animal rescue, but there's a group called Performing Animal Welfare Society just outside of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-la-russa/my-wife-and-i-we-started-a-foundation-about-companion-animal-rescue/) [Tony La Russa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-la-russa/) > [“I need a sitting room where I can entertain my friends, but I must have a library where my books entertain me.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/great-grandson-of-john-abigail-adams-brooks-adams/i-need-a-sitting-room-where-i-can-entertain-my-friends-but-i-must/) great-grandson of John & Abigail Adams Brooks Adams > [Here is the point about myself and my co-thinkers. Our belief is not a belief. Our principles are not a faith. We do not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-hitchens/here-is-the-point-about-myself-and-my-co-thinkers-our-belief-is-not-a/) [Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hitchens/) > [If she drinks beer, she's a keeper.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/granger-smith/if-she-drinks-beer-she-s-a-keeper/) [Granger Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/granger-smith/) > [We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mace-windu/we-are-keepers-of-the-peace-not-soldiers/) Mace Windu > [I think awards in this country at this time are inappropriate to be received or given until the condition of the American Indian is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marlon-brando/i-think-awards-in-this-country-at-this-time-are-inappropriate-to-be/) [Marlon Brando](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marlon-brando/) > [Lily and James only made you Secret-Keeper because I suggested it,” Black hissed, so venomously that Pettigrew took a step backward. “I thought it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/lily-and-james-only-made-you-secret-keeper-because-i-suggested-it/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Jesus, I don't want to be a secret keeper with my faith. I want to be a bold and gracious truth proclaimer. For You.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lysa-terkeurst/jesus-i-don-t-want-to-be-a-secret-keeper-with-my-faith-i-want-to-be-a/) [Lysa TerKeurst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lysa-terkeurst/) > [After an inferior man has been taught a doctrine of superiority he will remain as inferior as he was before his lesson. He will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anton-szandor-lavey/after-an-inferior-man-has-been-taught-a-doctrine-of-superiority-he/) [Anton Szandor LaVey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anton-szandor-lavey/) > [Don't visualize beating the keeper, visualize destroying the keeper.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-gerrard/don-t-visualize-beating-the-keeper-visualize-destroying-the-keeper/) [Steven Gerrard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-gerrard/) > [Nobody has ever given a reason why men should be their brother's keepers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/nobody-has-ever-given-a-reason-why-men-should-be-their-brother-s/) [Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/) > [I come from a long line of saloon keepers and proselytizers, and I draw from both sides.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-huntsman-jr/i-come-from-a-long-line-of-saloon-keepers-and-proselytizers-and-i/) [Jon Huntsman, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-huntsman-jr/) > [Artists are the gate keepers of truth. We are civilization’s radical voice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-robeson/artists-are-the-gate-keepers-of-truth-we-are-civilization-s-radical/) [Paul Robeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-robeson/) > [“Courage is being who you are. Courage is sacred of thyself.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/courage-is-being-who-you-are-courage-is-sacred-of-thyself/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [We have forgotten to be our brothers and sisters keepers. And we have forgotten that the Number 1 goal is to love one another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-richards/we-have-forgotten-to-be-our-brothers-and-sisters-keepers-and-we-have/) [Ann Richards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-richards/) ## More by Saadi > [Human beings are members of a whole, In creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted with pain, Other members uneasy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/human-beings-are-members-of-a-whole-in-creation-of-one-essence-and/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [If thou art of elephant-strength or of lion-claw, still peace is, in my opinion, better than strife.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/if-thou-art-of-elephant-strength-or-of-lion-claw-still-peace-is-in-my/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Astride a horse I am not, nor camel-like carry a load, Subjects I have none, nor follow any sultan's code; I worry not for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/astride-a-horse-i-am-not-nor-camel-like-carry-a-load-subjects-i-have/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Whatever is produced in haste goes hastily to waste.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/whatever-is-produced-in-haste-goes-hastily-to-waste/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [The rose and thorn, the treasure and dragon, joy and sorrow, all mingle into one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/the-rose-and-thorn-the-treasure-and-dragon-joy-and-sorrow-all-mingle/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [When the ruler is obedient to God, God is his protector and friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/when-the-ruler-is-obedient-to-god-god-is-his-protector-and-friend/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Riches are for the comfort of life, and not life for the accumulation of riches. I asked a holy wise man, "Who is fortunate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/riches-are-for-the-comfort-of-life-and-not-life-for-the-accumulation/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Where the hand of tyranny is long we do not see the lips of men open with laughter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/where-the-hand-of-tyranny-is-long-we-do-not-see-the-lips-of-men-open/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [All human beings are limbs of the same body. God created them from the same essence. If one part of the body suffers pain,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/all-human-beings-are-limbs-of-the-same-body-god-created-them-from-the/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Roam abroad in the world, and take thy fill of its enjoyments before the day shall come when thou must quit it for good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/roam-abroad-in-the-world-and-take-thy-fill-of-its-enjoyments-before/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [It is wrong to follow the advice of an adversary; nevertheless it is right to hear it, that you may do the contrary; and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/it-is-wrong-to-follow-the-advice-of-an-adversary-nevertheless-it-is/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [A man is insensible to the relish of prosperity 'til he has tasted adversity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/a-man-is-insensible-to-the-relish-of-prosperity-til-he-has-tasted/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [If thou art wise, incline to truth; for truth, not the semblance, remains in its place.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/if-thou-art-wise-incline-to-truth-for-truth-not-the-semblance-remains/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Patience accomplishes its object, while hurry speeds to its ruin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/patience-accomplishes-its-object-while-hurry-speeds-to-its-ruin/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [He who, when he hath the power, doeth not good, when he loses the means will suffer distress. There is not a more unfortunate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/he-who-when-he-hath-the-power-doeth-not-good-when-he-loses-the-means/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) [Explore all 159 Saadi quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) ## More Animal quotes > [I was 3-years-old - to this day it is a vivid memory. My family and I were on a boat, catching fish. As one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joaquin-phoenix/i-was-3-years-old-to-this-day-it-is-a-vivid-memory-my-family-and-i/) [Joaquin Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-phoenix/) > [Animals know nothing of themselves, and they also know nothing of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/animals-know-nothing-of-themselves-and-they-also-know-nothing-of-the/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [Humans are animals too, but some do not like to work from expectations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mak-786/humans-are-animals-too-but-some-do-not-like-to-work-from-expectations/) Mak\_786 > [When grubbing for necessities man is still an animal. He becomes uniquely human when he reaches out for the superfluous and extravagant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-hoffer/when-grubbing-for-necessities-man-is-still-an-animal-he-becomes/) [Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-hoffer/) > [I'm 38 and I'm single, and I'm having my most intense and gratifying relationship with a dog. But we all learn about love in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caroline-knapp/i-m-38-and-i-m-single-and-i-m-having-my-most-intense-and-gratifying/) [Caroline Knapp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caroline-knapp/) > [Practically all animals which move fast in a homogeneous medium have found means of giving their body a streamlined shape, thereby reducing friction to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/konrad-lorenz/practically-all-animals-which-move-fast-in-a-homogeneous-medium-have/) [Konrad Lorenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/konrad-lorenz/) > [A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/a-horse-a-horse-my-kingdom-for-a-horse/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [“it is a federal system of sadistic torture, vivisection, and animal genocide, which has been carried on for decades under the fraudulent guise of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-tobias/it-is-a-federal-system-of-sadistic-torture-vivisection-and-animal/) [Michael Tobias](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-tobias/) > [“What does it mean to be a self-conscious animal? The idea is ludicrous, if it is not monstrous. It means to know that one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-becker/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-self-conscious-animal-the-idea-is-ludicrous/) [Ernest Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-becker/) > [We must love animals in such a powerful way that we should reject to eat them!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/we-must-love-animals-in-such-a-powerful-way-that-we-should-reject-to/) [Mehmet Murat Ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [“The universe contains any amount of horrible ways to be woken up, such as the noise of the mob breaking down the front door,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/the-universe-contains-any-amount-of-horrible-ways-to-be-woken-up-such/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [This brings me back to the image of Kafka standing before a fish in the Berlin aquarium, a fish on which his gaze fell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-safran-foer/this-brings-me-back-to-the-image-of-kafka-standing-before-a-fish-in/) [Jonathan Safran Foer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-safran-foer/) > [That dog, I say that dog is lower than a snake full of buckshot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/foghorn-leghorn/that-dog-i-say-that-dog-is-lower-than-a-snake-full-of-buckshot/) [Foghorn Leghorn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/foghorn-leghorn/) > [I bet plants go like 'Weeeeeeeee!' whenever they're swallowed by a giraffe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-bet-plants-go-like-weeeeeeeee-whenever-they-re-swallowed-by-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Animal rights without veganism is like human rights with slavery. It makes no sense. None whatsoever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-francione/animal-rights-without-veganism-is-like-human-rights-with-slavery-it/) [Gary L. Francione](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-francione/) [Browse all 13,456 Animal quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Make no friendship with an elephant keeper If you have no room to entertain an elephant", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Saadi" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keeper-if-you-have-no-room-to/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Animal" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keeper-if-you-have-no-room-to/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31c/saadi-2340_animal_make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keep_1700484.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31c/saadi-2340_animal_make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keep_1700484.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31c/saadi-2340_animal_make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keep_1700484.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Make no friendship with an elephant keeper If you have no room to entertain an elephant” — Saadi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Saadi", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Make no friendship with an elephant...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keeper-if-you-have-no-room-to/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/make-no-friendship-with-an-elephant-keeper-if-you-have-no-room-to/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```