Quotes from Idries Shah, The Dermis Probe

Learn about hornets from those who have been stung by them.

A loan is the scissors of friendship.A man's own tongue may cut his throat.The cage has no value without the bird.

If you have no troubles – buy a goat.

Sandals. The Sufi teacher Ghulam-Shah was asked what pattern he used in formulating his courses for disciples. He said: 'Barefoot until you can get sandals, sandals until you can manage boots.

Show a man too many camels' bones, or show them to him too often, and he will not be able to recognize a camel when he comes across a live one.

Make mankind your dwelling place.

A man's capacity is the same as his breadth of vision.

Yes, the world is an illusion. But Truth is always being shown there.

As swords were designed to killThey did well to make them tongue-shaped.(Anwar-i-Suhaili)

Be a dog, but don't be a younger brother.Proverb.

To bind one free man with love is better than to release a thousand slaves.

Hit your hand on a stone and expect it to hurt.

Patience is bitter, but bears a sweet fruit.

Opportunity's precious, and time is a sword.

An old fool is worse than a young one: For the young may always grow wise. (Zohair)

The fruit of timidity is neither gain nor loss.

When sense has left a head, it should be called a tail.

No effort makes a black crow into a white hawk.

Even if false gold makes a man happy:At the mint it will be identified.

THE HEAVENSTo the mallet of the Highest MindThe heavens are the smallest possible ball.(Akhlaq-i-Mohsini)

Rust through washing never became white.

One lie will keep out forty truths.

They have fixed our nutrition and arranged our life-span. More than this, and ahead of this, efforts will not be productive.