Life Quote by Zadie Smith
![“[Forster] quotes approvingly from this discussion, from The Magic Flute [by Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson] "Lord Buddha was your gospel true?" "True and False." "What was true in it?" "Selflessness and Love." "What false?" "Flight from Life.” quote by Zadie Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9c/zadie-smith-584_life_forster-quotes-approvingly-from-this-dis_2596163.jpg)
““[Forster] quotes approvingly from this discussion, from The Magic Flute [by Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson] "Lord Buddha was your gospel true?" "True and False." "What was true in it?" "Selflessness and Love." "What false?" "Flight from Life.””
About This Quote
Source Book: White Teeth by Zadie Smith, 2000
The dialogue questions the nature of truth, contrasting selflessness and love with escapism, suggesting true enlightenment lies in selfless love, not avoidance of life.
In simple terms: True love vs. escape; true enlightenment is selfless love.
Key Takeaway
Seek selfless love, avoid escapism.
Themes
truth
philosophy
selflessness
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
Buddhism
existentialism
dualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish love from avoidance?
- What does selflessness mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Escapism can be a coping mechanism, not always negative.
![“No claims were made by him [Buddha] to any unalterable truth, nor did he demand that his teachings should simply be accepted, taken on trust or acquired through an act of faith. Instead he [Buddha] encouraged those who wished to make the spiritual journey he himself had undertaken to experiment…” quote by Durden Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/194/durden-smith-234147_buddhism_no-claims-were-made-by-him-buddha-to-any_1794786.jpg)
