Als Quote by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas
“Today I meet with Dr. Syamsuddin Arif. He said Prof. al-Attas says, "I don't read much but I think a lot”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “Philosophy and Faith” with Dr. Syamsuddin Arif, 2023
Reading little but thinking deeply highlights that contemplation can outweigh extensive reading.
In simple terms: Thinking matters more than reading a lot.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize deep reflection over quantity of material.
Themes
education
reflection
knowledge acquisition
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal meditation
- teaching sessions
Key Concepts
epistemology
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance reading and thinking?
- What practices foster deep thought?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on reading can limit experiential learning.
![“An Islamic university...structure is different from a Western University; [its] conception of what constitutes knowledge is different from what Western philosophers set forth as knowledge; [its] aims and aspirations are different from Western conceptions. The purpose of higher education is not…” quote by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/909/syed-muhammad-naquib-al-attas_dreams_an-islamic-university-structure-is-diffe_625141.jpg)
![“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It…” quote by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/454/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya-10803_als_the-heart-becomes-sick-as-the-body-becom_66500.jpg)
