When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
The way to really live is to die. The passport to living is to imagine yourself in your grave. Imagine you're lying in your coffin....Now look at your problems from that viewpoint. Changes everything, doesn't it?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding mortality can provide a fresh perspective on life's challenges.
This quote emphasizes the idea that contemplating one's mortality can transform the way we approach our problems in life. By imagining ourselves in a state of death, we gain clarity on what truly matters, allowing us to prioritize our actions and resolve issues with a renewed sense of purpose.
Themes
MortalityPerspectiveProblemsViewpointLife
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming challenges, one might quote this to encourage the audience to gain perspective on their struggles.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes →Perfect 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
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