Wisdom from “Mahbub ul-qulub”

In his “tanbihs” Navoiy comments on the main virtues of human conduct. On generosity and high-mindedness he thinks as follows: they are the useful fruit of humanity’s garden; a person without generosity is like a tree without fruit. A high-minded person is compared to a high-flying falcon, an unworthy one to a kite that watches for mice. Wastefulness is not generosity, and giving to show off is not generosity either; a person who gives away what he needs himself is called an “axiy”. Hilm is gentle, calm dignity: it makes a person respected and protects from anger. About speech the poet calls for care: much and ill-timed talk and lying humiliate a person, while sweet and fitting words unite hearts. About travel he stresses that its hardships temper a person, introduce him to the world, and that movement is a sign of life. (The texts are paraphrased here in our own words.)