The worst of guardians is a cruel ruler. Beware of becoming one of them.
It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad, and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent, but silence is better than idle words.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of choosing one's company wisely and valuing meaningful conversations over idle talk.
The quote highlights the significance of social interactions, advocating for the choice of companions carefully. It suggests that being alone is preferable to being in the company of negative influences, but engaging with positive individuals is even more beneficial. Additionally, it values knowledge and meaningful dialogue over silence, yet asserts that silence is preferable to meaningless chatter, thus promoting a thoughtful approach to both relationships and communication.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about friendship, one might use this quote to stress the importance of positive influences.
More from Muhammad
All quotes βIn Paradise there are things which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has thought of.
It is not within the character of a believer to curse, to damn, to speak or act improperly.
There will be no hatred or resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify God, morning and evening.
The best jihad is to speak a word of justice to an oppressive ruler.
Love for one's country is part of faith.
Similar quotes
Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.
The humblest praise most, while cranks & malcontents praise least. Praise almost seems to be inner health made audible
See the Light in Others, and Treat Them as if That is All you See.
To go out of your mind once a day is tremendously important, because by going out of your mind you come to your senses. And if you stay in your mind all of the time, you are over rational, in other words you are like a very rigid bridge which because it has no give; no craziness in it, is going to be blown down by the first hurricane.
Those wounds stay with you, and you turn them into a language and a purpose.
As you grow up, always tell the truth, do no harm to others, and don't think you are the most important being on earth. Rich or poor, you then can look anyone in the eye and say, 'I'm probably no better than you, but I'm certainly your equal.