We are told, that the black bear is innocent; but I should not like to trust myself with him.
Interpretation
Caution is necessary even towards those perceived as harmless.
This quote by Samuel Johnson suggests that appearances can be deceiving, and one should be wary of trusting individuals or things that seem innocent. It implies that while the black bear may be seen as harmless, it is prudent to approach with caution, highlighting the importance of discernment and understanding the potential risks in any situation.
In practice
During a discussion about teamwork, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of being cautious when relying on others.
To be of no church is dangerous. Religion, of which the rewards are distant, and which is animated only by faith and hope, will glide by degrees out of the mind unless it be invigorated and reimpressed by external ordinances, by stated calls to worship, and the salutary influence of example.
He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.
To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of the weary pilgrimage.
Fly-fishing may be a very pleasant amusement; but angling or float fishing I can only compare to a stick and a string, with a worm at one end and a fool at the other.
When any anxiety or gloom of the mind takes hold of you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaining; but exert yourselves to hide it, and by endeavoring to hide it you drive it away.
A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other.
The Great Vessel takes long to complete.
You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don't do too many things wrong.
Time is the wisest of all things that are; for it brings everything to light.
The intuitive recognition of the instant, thus reality is the highest act of wisdom.
You need not wrestle for your good. Your good flows to you most easily when you are relaxed, open, and trusting.
Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.
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