I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker learned silence, tolerance, and kindness from unlikely sources but feels ungrateful toward them.
- In plain terms
- They got silence, tolerance, and kindness from unlikely teachers but are ungrateful.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize and appreciate unexpected mentors.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why might we feel ungrateful for lessons?
- How can we better honor our teachers?
Another view
The tone may seem contradictory or bitter.
More from Khalil Gibran
If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.
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