If you seek a teacher, try to become a real student. If you want to be a student, try to find a real teacher.

If you seek a teacher, try to become a real student. If you want to be a student, try to find a real teacher.

📖 Idries Shah

🌍 Indian  |  👨‍💼 Author

🎂 June 16, 1924  –  ⚰️ November 23, 1996
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This quote underscores the reciprocal nature of learning and teaching, emphasizing that the pathway to genuine knowledge and understanding is rooted in humility and authentic engagement. When one seeks a teacher, it is essential to approach that pursuit with the mindset of a true student—open, receptive, and willing to learn. This humility enables the seeker to absorb lessons not merely from the teacher's words, but through embodying the qualities of a genuine learner. Conversely, if one aspires to be a teacher, it requires the posture of a real student—continually seeking knowledge, questioning assumptions, and remaining humble before the vastness of what is yet to be known. Such a mindset fosters authenticity in teaching, as it keeps the teacher connected to their own continuous journey of growth and learning. The relationship between teacher and student is dynamic; both roles are interconnected and interdependent. A true teacher recognizes the importance of being a perpetual student, while a true student acknowledges that genuine learning often involves guidance from those more experienced. This mutual humility and openness cultivate an environment where growth is perpetual and genuine understanding can flourish. It also hints at the idea that mastery is never complete and that learning is a lifelong process. In essence, authentic growth involves embracing the roles we wish to embody, with sincerity and humility, creating a harmony that enriches both the learner and the teacher. Such a perspective fosters a deeper appreciation of the learning process as a spiritual and psychological journey, as explored in the work 'Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way' by Idries Shah.

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July 11, 2025

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