“To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth.”

— Thích Nhất Hạnh, The Miracle of Mindfulness, 1999, p. 52

About Thích Nhất Hạnh

1926 – 2022

Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, teacher and peace activist.

“We have to accept death; it makes life possible.”

“If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it.”

“When you feel anger arising, remember to return to your breathing and follow it.”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”