Self-improvement through observing others' flaws

Nahj al-Balāgha|Volume 1|Book 3|Chapter 365

Nahj al-Balāgha

Book 3, Chapter 365

Self-improvement through observing others' flaws
1 Ḥadīth
Ḥadīth 450

٣٦٥. وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام): الْفِكْرُ مرْآةٌ صَافِيَةٌ، وَالِاعْتِبَارُ مُنْذِرٌ نَاصِحٌ، وَكَفَى أَدَباً لِنَفْسِكَ تَجَنُّبُكَ مَا كَرِهْتَهُ لِغَيْرِكَ.

365. Amīr al-mu’minīn, peace be upon him, said: Imagination is a clear mirror, and the taking of lessons (from things around) provides warning and counsel. It is enough for improving yourself that you should avoid what you consider bad in others.