There is a succession of experiences which together constitute the educational and developmental ripening of the learner, according to the Sufis. People who think that each gain is the goal itself will freeze at any such stage, and cannot learn through successive and superseding lessons.

Do not try to be humble: learn humility.

To be obsessed by the idea of freedom, for instance, is itself a form of slavery. Such people are in the chains of the hope of freedom, and are therefore able to do little else than struggle with them.

Knowledge is something which you can use. Belief is something which uses you.

From time to time ponder whether you are unconsciously saying: 'Truth is what I happen to be thinking at this moment.

If you want to make an ordinary man happy, or think that he is happy, give him money, power, flattery, gifts, honours. If you want to make a wise man happy - improve yourself!

If you give what can be taken, you are not really giving. Take what you are given, not what you want to be given. Give what cannot be taken.