Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 365

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام):

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:

الْفِكْرُ مرْآةٌ صَافِيَةٌ،

Imagination is a clear mirror,

وَالاْعْتِبَارُ مُنْذِرٌ نَاصِحٌ،

and the taking of lessons (from things around) provides warning and counsel.

وَكَفى أَدَباً لِنَفْسِكَ تَجَنُّبُكَ مَا كَرِهْتَهُ لِغَيْرِكَ.

It is enough for improving yourself that you should avoid what you consider bad in others.