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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_knowledge, page : 91
which is the intermediary, and third thoroughness (istiqsi), which is a sequel to
moderation and, which goes on and on during the life of the seeker. Be,
therefore, on of two, either one who educates himself, or one who concerns
himself with the education of others after he has educated himself. Never,
however, concern yourself with reforming others before you have first reformed
yourself.
The one who would spend himself in pursuing what would reform others (while
he himself remains unredeemed) is insolent, and how utterly foolish is the man
who, when snakes and scorpions have crept beneath his clothes, is busy looking
for a whisk with which to drive the flies off from other people, a task, which will
neither spare nor save him from the attacks of the snakes and scorpions lurking
beneath his clothes.
Chapter Four
On the Reasons, which induced men to pursue the Science of Polemics
and on Revealing the Evils of Debate and Disputation as well as Stating the
Conditions, which Render Them Permissible.
moderation and, which goes on and on during the life of the seeker. Be,
therefore, on of two, either one who educates himself, or one who concerns
himself with the education of others after he has educated himself. Never,
however, concern yourself with reforming others before you have first reformed
yourself.
The one who would spend himself in pursuing what would reform others (while
he himself remains unredeemed) is insolent, and how utterly foolish is the man
who, when snakes and scorpions have crept beneath his clothes, is busy looking
for a whisk with which to drive the flies off from other people, a task, which will
neither spare nor save him from the attacks of the snakes and scorpions lurking
beneath his clothes.
Chapter Four
On the Reasons, which induced men to pursue the Science of Polemics
and on Revealing the Evils of Debate and Disputation as well as Stating the
Conditions, which Render Them Permissible.