When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
Life is easy, life is delightful. It's only hard on your illusions, your ambitions, your greed, your cravings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life can be enjoyed if we let go of unrealistic expectations and desires.
Anthony De Mello suggests that the challenges of life stem from our own illusions, ambitions, and cravings rather than from life itself. By recognizing that our difficulties often arise from our desires and unrealistic expectations, we can find a path to a more serene and pleasurable existence.
Themes
LifeIllusionsHappinessDesiresContentment
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth.
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
I have a full and satisfying life. My work and my family are very important to me.
Stephen HawkingRead
My prospects for life, though in a measure shaded with uncertainty, hardship and danger, are very animating and bright. My prospects for another life, blessed be God, are still brighter.
Adoniram JudsonRead
Who promised you that only for joy were you brought to this earth?
Anna FreudRead
I am older than everyone I ever knew. All my dogs are dead. Half a dozen cats, parakeets... all gone.
Arthur MillerRead
It's the living, the eating, the sleeping that everyone needs. Ideas don't matter so much after all. My three best friends are Catholic. I can't see their beliefs, but I can see the things they love to do on earth. When you come right down to it, I do believe in the freedom of the individual.
Sylvia PlathRead
We might as well die as to go on living like this.
Charlie ChaplinRead