Among human failings, I have seen none like the shortcomings…
Quote
Among human failings, I have seen none like the shortcomings of those capable of perfection.
Arabic original
ولم أر في عيوب الناس شيئًا كنقص القادرين على التمام.
What it means
The poet criticises unused ability rather than unavoidable limits. He urges people to do their best when they have the means, in a deliberately demanding and absolute formulation.
The story behind this quote
The verse appears in al-Mutanabbi’s poem known as the Fever Poem. Moral reflection stands beside personal complaint and declarations of inward strength.
The formula distinguishes a lack of ability from a failure to use ability that is present. Its demanding tone comes from that difference and the speaker’s severe judgement. It belongs to a poem in which physical vulnerability coexists with strong will and a high estimation of self.
The source
ديوان المتنبي، قصيدة «ملومكما يجل عن الملام» (الحمى), من القصيدة التي نظمها في مصر وهو مريض بالحمى
The text appears in the indicated source. A traditional attribution remains distinct from proof of authorship: see the context.
More quotes by Al-Mutanabbi
I have no need of homelands; no longing for return carries me back to a land I have left.
The noblest place in the world is the saddle of a swift horse, and the best companion is a book.
I am the one whose poetry even the blind have seen, and whose words have reached the deaf.
If you see a lion baring its fangs, do not imagine that it is smiling.
What use is sight to a person if light and darkness are the same to him?
Author
Al-Mutanabbi
Abu al-Tayyib al-Mutanabbi is often considered the greatest poet of the Arabic language. His verses, famous for their pride and concision, are still quoted as proverbs throughout the Arab world.
Quotes by Al-Mutanabbi