Idries Shah quotes - page 2

It is the message, not the man, which is important to the Sufis. (Idries Shah)
Right time, right place, right people equals success. Wrong time, wrong place, wrong people equals most of the real human history. View quote
Idries Shah
Sometimes a pessimist is only an optimist with extra information. View quote
Idries Shah
The sufis believe that they can experience something more complete. View quote
Idries Shah
One of the tragedies of modern times is that people have come to believe that something said by someone in the past, perhaps for illustrative or provocation purposes, actually represents that person's beliefs at the time. View quote
Idries Shah
Good. Show me a man who thinks that he knows what 'good' is, and I will probably be able to show you a horror of a person. Show me a person who really knows what 'good' is, and I will show you that he almost never uses the word. View quote
Idries Shah
Deep in the sea are riches beyond compare. But if you seek safety, it is on the shore. View quote
Idries Shah
Three Things Three things cannot be retrieved: The arrow once sped from the bow The word spoken in haste The missed opportunity. (Ali the Lion, Caliph of Islam, son-in-law of Mohammed the Prophet) View quote
Idries Shah
Q: What is a fundamental mistake of man's? A: To think that he is alive, when he has merely fallen asleep in life's waiting-room. View quote
Idries Shah
Real generosity is anonymous to the extent that a man should be prepared even to be considered ungenerous rather than explain it to others. View quote
Idries Shah