The richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.
Interpretation
Neglected potential leads to unfavorable outcomes.
This quote by Plutarch suggests that if something inherently valuable, such as fertile soil, is left unattended and unutilized, it will give rise to undesirable resultsβin this case, weeds. It serves as a metaphor for human potential, implying that without effort, cultivation, or direction, our innate abilities and resources may lead to negative or wasted outcomes.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one might say, 'Remember, the richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.'
Sometimes small incidents, rather than glorious exploits, give us the best evidence of character. So, as portrait painters are more exact in doing the face, where the character is revealed, than the rest of the body, I must be allowed to give my more particular attention to the marks of the souls of men.
It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.
Come back with your shield - or on it
For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.
Our senses through ignorance of Reality, falsely tell us that what appears to be, is. FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.
Condense some daily experience into a glowing symbol and an audience is electrified.
I think of the need for more wisdom in the world, to deal with the knowledge that we have. At one time we had wisdom, but little knowledge. Now we have a great deal of knowledge, but do we have enough wisdom to deal with that knowledge?
Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.
It seems to me that, in every culture, I come across a chapter headed 'Wisdom.' And then I know exactly what is going to follow: 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'
Winning does not tempt that man. This is how he grows: by being defeated, decisively, by constantly greater beings.
Follow not truth too near the heels, lest it dash out thy teeth.
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