8 Quotes by Abu al-Ala al-Ma'arri

Hold tight to what is most yourself,Don't squander it, don't let your lifeBe governed by what disturbs you.

There is no imam but the mind, who guides by day and night.

Good men's actions are naturalWhile a scoundrel's charityIs carefully planned to please.

Kings are sad creatures.

Some people are like an open grave:You give it the thing you love mostAnd then get nothing in return.

You're given the fruit of one palm tree:Bear it a basin of clear water.Don't trouble with the plight of other palms.

Don't believe what you're told unless your mindConfirms its truth: palm trunks, lofty as clouds,Stay wood.

When men shake hands with time, time crushesThem like tumblers; little pieces of glass.