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Meaning
The quote suggests that simply carrying or repeating written knowledge does not make a person wise. It points to the difference between owning information and truly understanding it. The image of donkeys laden with books makes the criticism blunt and memorable.
When It Was Said
Not documented yet.
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Not documented yet.
Source
Learning how to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way (1978)
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
The phrase appears in the book "Learning how to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way (1978)" by Idries Shah (Google Books snippet); no earlier source was checked.
Did You Know?
Not documented yet.
About Idries Shah
Afghan author, thinker, and teacher, 20th century
Idries Shah, also known as Idris Shah and Indries Shah, was an Afghan author, thinker, and teacher in the Sufi tradition. He wrote in the 20th century and used the pen name Arkon Daraul. He is remembered for work that brought together Sufi teaching, psychology, spirituality, travel writing, and cultural studies. Shah wrote more than three dozen books across those fields, moving between reflective, practical, and exploratory subjects. His work often connects inner life with broader questions of culture and belief, which is why he is read both as a spiritual writer and as an interpreter of ideas and traditions.
More from Idries Shah (322 quotes) →More quotes by Idries Shah
- “Most people, whatever their opinions and protestations, do not want to learn.”Idries Shah
- “Saying of the ProphetInk and BloodThe ink of the learned is holier than the blood of the martyr.”Idries Shah
- “The lightning said to the oak tree: ‘Stand aside, or take what is coming to you!”Idries Shah
- “Imagination blocks you like a bolt on a door. Burn that bar. (Rumi)”Idries Shah
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