Quote of the day by Rumi : “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

Explanation:  This famous quote by the Persian poet and mystic Rumi speaks about an ego-driven world where people try changing the world when things don’t work out for them in a situation. The instinctive tendency is to fix the world and people around us to feel better.

In other words, the mystic is implying a life based on external focus where others determine and influence our emotional states all the time.

For instance, another person becomes responsible for our happiness and likewise for one's sadness.

However, as one becomes self aware, they tend to turn inside and start to control their own responses to situations, particularly in unpleasant circumstances.

The quote also challenges the illusion that one can control other people or the life around them.

About the author: Jalal al-Din Rumi (born 1207) was a Sufi mystic and poet who wrote in Persian language. He was celebrated for his lyrics and spiritual poetry.

As per records, his experience of love, longing and loss made him turn to poetry. 

His work became a cornerstone of Persian mystical poetry and was hailed by Sufis.

After his death, his followers formed a Sufi order based on his principles and known for its ritualistic spiritual dance.

His work continues to get translated by others, making him one of the most influential poets of all times.