"I abhor a hoe. I am fond of flowers but not of dirt, and had rather buy them than cultivate them"

This quote by Lyman Abbott is a metaphor for his distaste for people who are dishonest and untrustworthy. He is comparing a hoe, which is a tool utilized to cultivate the soil, to an individual who is not to be trusted. He is stating that he would rather buy flowers than cultivate them, implying that he would rather purchase something that is already trustworthy and of great quality than to take a risk on something that may not be as trusted. This quote is a suggestion to be careful who we trust and to be conscious of individuals we connect with. It is likewise a pointer to be truthful and credible ourselves, as we never ever know who might be seeing and judging us. Lyman Abbott's quote is a reminder to be conscious of our actions and to aim to be the best version of ourselves.