Great Throughts Treasury
This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
Khajah Abdullah Ansari of Herat, Abu Ismaïl Abdullah ibn Abi-Mansour Mohammad or Khajah Abdullah Ansari of Herat
Persian Sufi Master, Known as the "Pious of Herat" and "Shaikhul Islam"
"Can you walk on water? You have done no better than a straw. Can you fly in the air? You have done no better than a bluebottle. Conquer your heart; then you may become somebody."
"Conquer your heart; then you may become somebody."
"Desire for knowledge is the path of honor: desire for wealth is the path of dishonor. Wealth is the chain that slaves wear; knowledge the kingly crown."
"Fasting is only saving bread, but if you have conquered the heart you have conquered everything."
"Human sorrow springs from three things: to want before it is due; to want more than your share; to want what belongs to others."
"The company of a good man is the light of the soul, of an evil man the poison of life."
"The world is not a place for enjoyment, but a place where humanity is on trial."
"Treat others as thou wouldst be treated; dispense not to others what thou likest not for thyself."