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There is no worse sickness for the soul, o you who are proud, than this pretense of perfection.
Rumi
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The pursuit of being perfect can harm one's spirit and lead to arrogance.

This quote by Rumi suggests that the illusion of perfection can be detrimental to one's inner self, particularly for those who hold pride in their perceived flawlessness. Rather than embracing our humanity and imperfections, the false pretense of perfection can lead to a disconnection from our true selves and the essence of life.

Themes

PerfectionPrideSoulIllusionsHumanity

In practice

Example use cases

When discussing the importance of authenticity in a personal development seminar.

More from Rumi

My dear heart, never think you are better than others. Listen to their sorrows with compassion. If you want peace, don't harbor bad thoughts, do not gossip and don't teach what you do not know.
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Every fragile beauty, every perfect forgotten sentence, you grieve their going away, but that is not how it is. Where they come from never goes dry. It is an always flowing spring.
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Whatever you keep hidden in your heart, God _x000D_ manifests in you outwardly. Whatever the root of _x000D_ the tree feeds on in secret, affects the bough and _x000D_ the leaf.
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Come on sweetheart let's adore one another before there is no more of you and me
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