A traveller at Sparta, standing long upon one leg, said to a Lacedaemonian, "I do not believe you can do as much." "True," said he, "but every goose can."
Interpretation
The quote highlights the difference between mere physical ability and the value of skill or effort.
In this quote, Plutarch contrasts the actions of a man trying to impress with his balance against the simplistic ability of a goose, which can stand on one leg without any deeper significance. It serves as a reminder that not all abilities are valuable or worthy of admiration, often pointing out that effort and understanding should take precedence over superficial accomplishments.
In practice
Use this quote to illustrate a point in a discussion about true talent versus superficial skills.
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
The richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.
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 complained to Waki' about the weakness of my memorisation, _x000D_ _x000D_ So he instructed me to abandon disobedience;_x000D_ _x000D_ He informed me that knowledge is a light,_x000D_ _x000D_ And the light of Allah is not given to a sinner.
One of the most obvious facts about grownups to a child is that they have forgotten what it is like to be a child.
Here's why this matters: Studies show that a person who is interrupted takes 50 percent longer to accomplish a task. Not only that, he or she makes up to 50 percent more errors.
The most important thing to do is really listen.
Be honest about how you approach failure. Don't just be critical of yourself, because that can be self-serving. Approach it honestly, assess your performance, and assess the areas where you have fallen short. Correct them and move on. Don't dwell on it. Don't hold on to it.
Being at the top of your game intellectually, philosophically, politically, is not a forever thing.
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