What You Shouldn't Tell Your Friends: 9 Wise Advices from the 13th Century Persian Poet Saadi

Saadi, the famous Persian poet of the 13th century, continues to captivate hearts and minds with his timeless words that offer profound insight into human life. His poetry, rich in wisdom and enlightenment, opens our eyes to many things.

Due to the difficult situation in his home country, Saadi was forced to leave his home and set out on a journey that lasted more than 30 years. To survive, Saadi had to have determination, wit, and luck. Hard times certainly influenced his worldview and creativity.

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Saadi's poetry reflects his concern for people, faith, suffering, hope and awareness of the fragility of life.

Let's take a look at 9 of Saadi's most poignant quotes, each of which provides a glimpse into the depths of his philosophical thought.

1. A lie is like a heavy blow: even if the wound heals, a scar will remain.

The aftermath of deception is always accompanied by hurt, anger, and disappointment. Trust, once broken, is not easily restored. Even if reconciliation is achieved, the scars of deception remain, casting a shadow on the relationship.

However, very often such scars heal, there are people who find the strength to forgive the deception and move on without remembering the past.

2. If you have no teeth, you can always chew bread. If you have no bread, that's the worst trouble!

Some people are always complaining about their fate, the government, their parents, the education system, etc. They complain that they don't have money to go to Turkey, or they don't have enough money for a new car, maybe they are upset because they don't have the capital to start their own business... But there are people who don't have bread, according to the World Health Organization, 24 thousand people in the world DAILY die from hunger and diseases caused by it. So the next time you want to complain about something, remember these statistics, and you will immediately feel rich.

3. The one who found happiness in you is yours. All the rest are guests.

Think about the people in your life who genuinely enjoy seeing you every time, whose presence brings a feeling of warmth and comfort. Their happiness is not dependent on external circumstances or the amount of material goods you have, but is rooted in the bonds of friendship, love, or camaraderie you share.

While some people come and go from your life, leaving fleeting impressions or momentary satisfaction, there are those who are always there for you. It is high time to understand that it is not the quantity, but the quality. After all, it is quality connections that enrich our lives and fill our journey with meaning and purpose.

4. If you speak badly about people, even if you are right, your insides are bad.

Our negative judgments ultimately reflect back on us, revealing the ugliness of our own hearts and minds. Just as a mirror reflects our appearance, the words we speak serve as a reflection of our deepest thoughts, beliefs, and values.

5. He who makes friends with bad people will find nothing good in life.

These words serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact our environment can have on our overall well-being and life satisfaction.

When we associate with bad people, we unwittingly expose ourselves to their influence, absorbing their attitudes, beliefs, and behavior like a sponge. Their negativity can seep into every aspect of our lives, clouding our judgment, sowing seeds of doubt, and hindering our ability to pursue happiness and fulfillment.

Moreover, the company we keep can have a significant impact on our mental, emotional and even physical well-being.

By surrounding ourselves with positive influences and distancing ourselves from negativity and toxicity, we pave the way for a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and meaningful connections. Let us strive to develop relationships that uplift and inspire us, for in doing so, we create the foundation for a life of abundance and well-being.

6. He who does not wish to lift up the fallen, let him be afraid of falling himself, for when he falls, no one will extend a hand to him.

None of us are immune to life's trials; we all experience moments of weakness, doubt and despair.

Amidst adversity, challenges and difficulties, empathy serves as the golden thread that binds us together in difficult times.

Imagine for a moment a world devoid of compassion, where people turn a blind eye to the struggles of others, consumed by their own interests and indifference. It would be impossible to live in such a world.

Humanity lies in our ability to empathize and help.

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7. Only the patient one will finish the job, but the hasty one will fall.

In a world characterized by instant gratification and the relentless pursuit of quick results, this timeless proverb serves as a poignant reminder of the virtues of patience and the dangers of jumping to conclusions. The desire to rush often leads to pitfalls and failures.

Those who approach life with patience understand that true success does not happen overnight. It requires dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the task at hand. They recognize that progress is often gradual, requiring time, effort, and persistence to produce tangible results.

8. Secrets cannot be confided to friends, because friends also have friends.

Friendship is by its nature built on trust, understanding and mutual respect. We trust our friends, share our joys, sorrows, dreams and fears, believing that they will keep our secrets. But our friends have other friends, so there is a risk that our secrets and mysteries will become apparent.

9. If you ever get into a great trouble, do not turn to the Almighty with the words: “O Almighty, I have a great trouble.” Tell the trouble: “I have a Great Almighty.”

When we face challenges, our instinctive response is often fear, doubt, or despair. We may feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of our problems, doubting our own strength and resilience in the face of adversity. In such moments, it is easy to give in to feelings of powerlessness.

However, instead of viewing our problems as insurmountable obstacles, we should see them as opportunities for growth, transformation, and divine intervention. By recognizing the greatness of the Almighty in the midst of adversity, we gain the strength, faith, courage, and hope to overcome even the greatest trials.

What do you think about these statements? Which quote did you like the most? Share in the comments!