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.
My favorite definition of an intellectual: 'Someone who has been educated beyond his/her intelligence'.
The reality is, I like imperfection. You take away from the world when you're not yourself. Whatever is unique and special about you was designed by God. And when you try to be someone else, we don't get you. Who knows what you would have contributed to the world had you just been yourself, if you had just celebrated who you are and just walked boldly?
Plans are worthless, but planning is invaluable.
Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence.
You will observe with concern how long a useful truth may be known, and exist, before it is generally received and practiced on.
Realizing that we've surrendered our self-esteem to others and choosing to be accountable for our own self-worth would mean absorbing the terrifying fact that we're always vulnerable to pain and loss.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.