Whoever acquires knowledge and does not practise it resembles him who ploughs his land and leaves it unsown

Whoever acquires knowledge and does not practise it resembles him who ploughs his land and leaves it unsown

Saadi, also known as Sheikh Saadi, was a Persian poet and prose writer from the medieval period. He is widely recognized for his wisdom and moral teachings, which are reflected in his works such as the Gulistan and the Bustan. One of the most famous quotes attributed to Saadi is “Whoever acquires knowledge and does not practise it resembles him who ploughs his land and leaves it unsown.”

This quote emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also putting it into practice. In the context of Saadi’s teachings, knowledge is not meant to be passive or theoretical but rather active and transformative. Just as a farmer who ploughs his land but does not sow seeds will not reap a harvest, a person who acquires knowledge but does not apply it in their life will not benefit from it.

Saadi believed that true wisdom comes from the application of knowledge in one’s actions and decisions. It is not enough to simply accumulate information or facts; one must also use that knowledge to make a positive impact on the world around them. This idea is echoed in many of Saadi’s writings, where he emphasizes the importance of virtue, compassion, and ethical behavior.