Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The teacher provided a simple service and expects people to discover the source themselves.
In plain terms
I just shared water; you will find the river on your own.
What can you take from it?
Do small things and let others find the source.

Where it applies

  • mentorship
  • leadership
  • community building

Putting it to work

  • Offer help without expecting credit
  • Encourage independent discovery

Questions to consider

  • How do you contribute without leading?
  • What is the source of what you offer?

Another view

Some people may never find the source without direct instruction.

More from Anthony de Mello

  1. A zealous disciple expressed a desire to teach others the Truth and asked the Master what he thought about this. The Master said, 'Wait.' Each year the discipl…

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. Any time you are with anyone or think of anyone you must say to yourself: I am dying and this person too is dying, attempting the while to experience the truth…

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. A thought is a screen, not a mirror; that is why you live in a thought envelope, untouched by Reality.

    Permalink to quote #2

Related quotes

  1. I have learned that In quiet places, reason abounds, that in quiet people there is vision and purpose, that many things are revealed to the humble that are hid…

    Adlai StevensonAdlai Stevenson quote #55
  2. Que sais-je?

    Michel de MontaigneMichel de Montaigne quote #1
  3. I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be her…

    Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela quote #3