The best advice on Twitter trolls was written by al-Ghazali in the 11th century | Sarah Kendzior

The best advice on Twitter trolls was written by al-Ghazali in the 11th century | Sarah Kendzior

Jesus advised us not to cast our pearls before swine. This Sufi philosopher expands on the idea, distinguishing between questioners who would not profit from an answer (those asking from envy, the sophomoric who don't know how much they don't know, and those who haven't the ability to process what you tell them) on the one hand, and this sort of questioner on the other:

"But the sickness which is curable is that of the intelligent and understanding seeker of guidance, who is not overcome with envy and anger and the love of worldly vanities and wealth and honor, but is seeking the straight road; and his questions and objections do not arise from envy and a desire to cause trouble and to make trial. And he is curable, and it is permitted to attempt to answer him--nay, it is necessary."