The more you look at 'common knowledge', the more you realise that it is more likely to be common than it is to be knowledge. No real knowledge is common.
Idries ShahPrescribing hard work for the soft, or easy work for the hardy, is generally nonsense. What is always needed in any aim is right effort, right time, right people, right materials.
Idries ShahMAN: Kick him-he'll forgive you. Flatter him-he may or may not see through you. But ignore him and he'll hate you
Idries ShahMany things which are called 'secrets' are only things withheld from people until they can understand or effectively experience them.
Idries ShahIf you are uninterested in what I say, there's an end to it. If you like what I say, please try to understand which previous influences have made you like it. If you like some of the things I say, and dislike others, you could try to understand why. If you dislike all I say, why not try to find out what formed your attitude?
Idries Shah