The bird thinks it is an act of kindness to give the fish a lift in the air.
In plain words
Helping someone your way, not their way, is not really helping.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Stray Birds, aphorism #123 (1916), Tagore's own English wording, not translated.
- Stray Birds
- 1916
More from Rabindranath Tagore
See allYou can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.
Rabindranath TagoreClouds come floating into my life from other days no longer to shed rain or usher storm but to give colour to my sunset sky.Rabindranath TagoreTiny grass, your steps are small, but you possess the earth under your tread.Rabindranath TagoreThe pet dog suspects the universe for scheming to take its place.Rabindranath TagoreThe hills are like shouts of children who raise their arms, trying to catch stars.Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath TagoreClouds come floating into my life from other days no longer to shed rain or usher storm but to give colour to my sunset sky.Rabindranath TagoreTiny grass, your steps are small, but you possess the earth under your tread.Rabindranath TagoreThe pet dog suspects the universe for scheming to take its place.Rabindranath TagoreThe hills are like shouts of children who raise their arms, trying to catch stars.Rabindranath TagoreMore on kindness
When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.Ethiopian proverbTreat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.
Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.
Leo TolstoyIt is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
AesopAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.
Benito Juárez
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.Leo TolstoyIt is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.AesopAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.Benito Juárez