In Attar's 'The Conference of the Birds', the poem 'The Sufi Who Spoke of the Men of Truth and an Elder's Address to Him' explores the spiritual value of associating oneself with the righteous through speech and aspiration. When an elder questions a Sufi about why he constantly talks about the 'Men of Truth' (spiritual masters) without being one of them, the Sufi responds that even if he only possesses the name of sugar, it is better than having poison in his mouth. He argues that speaking of spiritual masters from the depth of his soul brings him joy and that such 'madness' is essential for purifying the soul. The narrative teaches that love, aspiration, and sincere discourse concerning spiritual figures can serve as a potent spiritual practice, maintaining one's connection to the divine path even when actual attainment is lacking.