Principles from Rumi
Sifting Words: The Power of Truth, Necessity, and Kindness
Estimated reading time (3 minutes)
Happy Friday, everyone.
Welcome to Principles Friday, where I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle.
Principle of the Week
"Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates. “Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” by Rumi.
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic jurist, and theologian. His profound wisdom and spiritual teachings continue to inspire people around the world. One fascinating story about Rumi is that of his encounter with a goldsmith.
According to the story, Rumi was passing by a goldsmith's shop and noticed the intense heat and the gold being purified in the fire. Rumi, curious about the process, asked the goldsmith why he subjected the gold to such extreme heat. The goldsmith replied, "The impurities are burned away, leaving behind pure gold."
This interaction deeply resonated with Rumi and became a metaphor for spiritual purification and personal transformation. He realized that, like gold, humans go through hardships and challenges that refine and purify their souls. Rumi's teachings often emphasized the importance of embracing difficulties and embracing the transformative power of inner growth.
This story highlights Rumi's ability to find wisdom and inspiration in everyday encounters, using them as metaphors to convey profound spiritual insights. His poetic and philosophical works continue to inspire individuals seeking personal growth, enlightenment, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Question to Ponder
Humans speak, on average, roughly 16,000 words a day. After employing Rumi’s principle, how many do you think you should speak in a day?
Call to Action
Take a moment to evaluate the words you are speaking.
Before speaking, consciously pause and reflect on the three gates of truth, necessity, and kindness. Ask yourself:
Is what I'm about to say true? Am I conveying accurate information?
Is it necessary? Will my words contribute meaningfully to the conversation or situation?
Is it kind? Will my words promote understanding, empathy, and respect?
Considering these gates before speaking, we can strive to communicate effectively, maintain integrity, and promote a harmonious atmosphere in our professional and personal lives.
Video of the Week
If you want to learn more principles, I interview founders on my podcast, The First 100, where they share how they acquired their first 100 paying customers. This week:
Episode 81 - The First 100 with Roei Ganzarski, the CEO of Alitheon
Episode 80 - The First 100 with Alex Levin, the founder of Regal.io
Things I Came Across This Week
Check out Remote Revenu, a newsletter for Digital nomads and remote workers who wish to buy their first niche website / SAAS business.
Check out an awesome marketing newsletter, Aha! Quotient. Every week, you receive actionable insights, case studies, and useful tools & tips with a no-fluff approach focused on modern marketers, makers, and entrepreneurs.
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