Habib al-Jallab reported: I asked Ibn al-Mubarak, may Allah have mercy on him, “What is the best thing a human being can be given?” He said, “Innate intelligence.” I said, “What if it is not so?” He said, “Good manners.” I said, “What if it is not so?” He said, “A kind brother he can consult.” I said, “What if it is not so?” He said, “Long periods of silence.” I said, “What if it is not so?” He said, “An early death.”
Source: Siyar A’lām al-Nubalā’ 7/376
عَنْ حَبِيْبٌ الجَلاَّب قال سَأَلْتُ ابْنَ المُبَارَكِ رحمه الله مَا خَيْرُ مَا أعطيَ الإِنْسَانُ قَالَ غَرِيْزَةُ عَقْلٍ قُلْتُ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ قَالَ حُسْنُ أَدَبٍ قُلْتُ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ قَالَ أَخٌ شَفِيْقٌ يَسْتَشِيْرُهُ قُلْتُ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ قَالَ صَمْتٌ طَوِيْلٌ قُلْتُ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ قَالَ مَوْتٌ عَاجِلٌ
7/376 سير أعلام النبلاء الذهبي