When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
We do not have a fear of the unknown. What we fear is giving up the known.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People are often more afraid of losing their familiar circumstances than facing uncertainty.
This quote highlights a common human tendency to resist change due to comfort in what is known. While the unknown may seem intimidating, it is not the fear of the unknown that paralyzes us; rather, it is the possibility of losing what we are already accustomed to that creates anxiety and hesitation. Embracing change requires courage to let go of the familiar and to step into new possibilities.
Themes
FearChangeUnknownComfortCourage
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a workshop on personal development to emphasize the importance of embracing change.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes βPerfect love casts out fear. Where there is love there are no demands, no expectations, no dependency. I do not demand that you make me happy; my happiness does not lie in you. If you were to leave me, I will not feel sorry for myself; I enjoy your company immensely, but I do not cling.
Anthony De MelloRead
The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
Anthony De MelloRead
The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
Anthony De MelloRead
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
Similar quotes
Do I really want to be integrated into a burning house?
James A. BaldwinRead
Change is not made without inconvenience.
Samuel JohnsonRead
Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead
There are some things one can only achieve by a deliberate leap in the opposite direction.
Franz KafkaRead
Only the phoenix rises and does not descend. And everything changes. And nothing is truly lost.
Neil GaimanRead
Things will get easier, people's minds will change, and you should be alive to see it.
Ellen DegeneresRead