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Ghazali_Letters_To_Statemen, page : 80
have to realize that it is possible for a man to live without the rich or embroidered robes
which are the mark of pride. Can a common man by wearing the garments of a woman
become a female? If that is not possible, how can you, by wearing women's garments,
become like them? He who offends through precious dress, seems to be in a manner
more intemperate and more womanish in his offences. Nothing is more wretched than a
man who tries to look like a woman.
If you think for a while, you will know that nobody bothers about you. Should men
befriend you it would only be to serve their own ends. Many people adore you because
as Prime Minister you are the god of position and wealth. They who are praising you
now will blame you and praise another as soon as you quit your position and someone
else is appointed in your place.
When you behold a man who welcomes praise, know that he is in truth a liar, and a
potent danger to you. You should provide for the smallest without display and
immediately check popular applause and all flattery. The seekers of false prestige
among men is a cheat. He shall not be able to impress men and instead he would incur
the wrath of his Master. The words which were formally familiar are now antiquated, and
such are the names of those who were well known in the past . For all things soon pass
which are the mark of pride. Can a common man by wearing the garments of a woman
become a female? If that is not possible, how can you, by wearing women's garments,
become like them? He who offends through precious dress, seems to be in a manner
more intemperate and more womanish in his offences. Nothing is more wretched than a
man who tries to look like a woman.
If you think for a while, you will know that nobody bothers about you. Should men
befriend you it would only be to serve their own ends. Many people adore you because
as Prime Minister you are the god of position and wealth. They who are praising you
now will blame you and praise another as soon as you quit your position and someone
else is appointed in your place.
When you behold a man who welcomes praise, know that he is in truth a liar, and a
potent danger to you. You should provide for the smallest without display and
immediately check popular applause and all flattery. The seekers of false prestige
among men is a cheat. He shall not be able to impress men and instead he would incur
the wrath of his Master. The words which were formally familiar are now antiquated, and
such are the names of those who were well known in the past . For all things soon pass