When I was a child, I asked an elder about the signs of maturity. He said, “It is written that there are three signs: reaching fifteen years of age, experiencing nocturnal emission, and the growth of facial hair.”
“But in truth,” he continued, “there is only one real sign, and that is to be more devoted to pleasing the Almighty than to indulging in one’s own desires. Anyone lacking this quality is not considered mature by those who truly understand.”
A drop of water takes human form,
After forty days within the womb;
But if a man of forty lacks reason and character,
He cannot be rightly called a human.
Manhood is nobility and kindness;
Do not mistake it for mere bodily shape.
Beauty can be painted on walls with vermilion and azure,
But without virtues, a human is no more than an image on a wall.
Winning the world is no great achievement;
But if you can win someone’s heart, that is a true accomplishment.
