Two kinds of people live a life without care: one kind are extremely worthy of praise, the other kind are extremely worthy of criticism. The first are those who care nothing for the pleasures of the world and the second (i.e. those who are deserving of criticism) care nothing for haya or modesty.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on two types of people who live carelessly, highlighting the distinction between virtuous and flawed carelessness.
Ibn Hazm presents a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of carelessness in life. He suggests that there are two groups of individuals: those who lead a life free from worldly pleasures and are to be admired, and those who, in their indifference, lack the virtue of modesty and are thus critique-worthy. This distinction serves to provoke deeper reflection on the values we hold and the different motivations behind our actions and states of being.
In practice
In a discussion about values, this quote could highlight the importance of virtue over hedonism.
When you compare yourself with others in matters of wealth, position, and health, you should look at people less favoured than yourself. When you compare yourself with others in matters of religion, knowledge and virtue, look at people who are better than yourself.
And though the years before I die _x000D_ Stretch out interminably, I _x000D_ Shall only count my life in truth _x000D_ As that brief hour of happy youth.
The wise man knows the only fitting price for his soul is a place in Paradise.
My dear, I used to think I was serving humanity . . . and I pleasured in the thought. Then I discovered that humanity does not want to be served; on the contrary it resents any attempt to serve it. So now I do what pleases myself.
Facts mean little compared to attitudes. To contradict rumor or sentiment is as futile as arguing against a believer's faith in the Immaculate Conception. You have simply become a victim of faith, Comrade Assistant.
God made life, and God alone can tell us its meaning.
All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told: Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold: Gilded tombs do worms enfold.
To suppress minority thinking and minority expression would tend to freeze society and prevent progress. Now more than ever we must keep in the forefront of our minds the fact that whenever we take away the liberties of those we hate, we are opening the way to loss of liberty for those we love.
To be ashamed of one's immorality: that is a step on the staircase at whose end one is also ashamed of one's morality.
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