Consequently the student who is devoid of talent will derive no more profit from this work than barren soil from a treatise on agriculture.
QuintilianRead
It is much easier to try one's hand at many things than to concentrate one's powers on one thing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focusing on one task is more challenging than attempting many.
This quote emphasizes the idea that multitasking or spreading oneself thin across various interests may seem easier, but true success and mastery come from dedicating one's efforts and concentration to a singular pursuit. It highlights the value of focus and commitment over the allure of dabbling in many different areas without achieving depth in any.
Themes
FocusConcentrationMasteryEffortSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about achieving long-term goals.
More from Quintilian
All quotes βAs regards parents, I should like to see them as highly educated as possible, and I do not restrict this remark to fathers alone.
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Whilst we deliberate how to begin a thing, it grows too late to begin it.
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A laugh costs too much when bought at the expense of virtue.
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An evil-speaker differs from an evil-doer only in the want of opportunity.
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It is the nurse that the child first hears, and her words that he will first attempt to imitate.
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