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.
Wherever the invitation of men or your own occasions lead you, speak the very truth, as your life and conscience teach it, and cheer the waiting, fainting hearts of men with new hope and new revelation.
Of all our possessions, wisdom alone is immortal.
There's enough sorrow in the world, isn't there, without trying to invent it.
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers β so many caring people in this world.
Anxiety is the gap between now and later.
Real eyes, realize, real lies.
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