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
Forgiveness, that noblest of all self-denial, is a virtue which he alone who can practise in himself can willingly believe in another.
Words are really powerful. I don't believe that axiom at all - words can absolutely hurt you. Words can wound. They can do a lot of damage. I think they can do way more damage than sticks and stones. I'll take sticks and stones.
Sometimes it's difficult to accept, to recognise one's own mistakes, but one must do it. I was guilty of overconfidence and arrogance, and I was punished for that.
We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
It was hell at the time, but after it was over, it was wonderful.
Don't bite till you know if it's bread or stone.
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