The Short Words 8

Also the miserable one is suffering torments in desolation, despair, and loneliness, while the fortunate one is enjoying himself, full of hope, longing, and a sense of belonging. Furthermore, the unfortunate one sees himself as a prisoner subject to the attacks of wild beasts, whle the fortunate on is an honoured guest who is on friendly terms and enjoying himself with the strange servants of his generous host. Also the unhappy one is hastening his torments by indulging in fruits which are apperently delicions but in fact poisonous. For the fruits are samples; there is permission to taste them so as to seek the originals and become customers for them, but there is no permission to devour them like an animal. The fortunate one tastes them and understands the matter; he postpones eating them and takes pleasure in waiting. Moreover, the unfortunate one is wronging himself, for due to his lack of discernment, he is making a truth and a situation which are as clear and bright as daylight into a dark and opperessive fear,into a hellish delusion. He does not deserve pity, nor does he have the right to complain to anyone...Bediüzzaman Said Nursi