"No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune"
- Plutarch
About this Quote
Plutarch's quote, "No male ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by possibility and fortune," offers a profound insight into the necessity of intentionality and effort in the procedure of production and accomplishment. This metaphorical statement highlights a basic reality about human endeavor: reaching a desired result requires intentional and constant action, not mere hope or random possibility.
In this quote, Plutarch utilizes the imagery of making bricks-- a procedure that includes taking raw clay, shaping it, and then firing it to produce tough, useful bricks-- to show the concept that purposeful labor is essential to change possible into reality. The act of simply wetting the clay is not enough to result in the creation of bricks. Similarly, in our lives, wishing or starting a task without seeing it through with diligence and effort will seldom cause successful results.
On a more comprehensive philosophical level, Plutarch's observation can be viewed as a commentary on the nature of human company and duty. He recommends that while fortune and luck can contribute in our lives, they can not replace the requirement for human action and obligation. The idea is to stress that awaiting circumstances to line up completely without taking concrete actions to reach our goals is likely to lead to unmet aspirations.
Additionally, this quote can work as a tip of the discipline required in various aspects of life-- whether in personal development, professional ventures, or creative tasks. It challenges us to analyze our commitments and guarantee that we are not leaving our dreams to haphazard possibilities but instead nurturing them diligently with the necessary hard work and strategic preparation.
In summary, Plutarch's declaration is a call to accept proactive engagement with life, prompting people to take charge of their fates through conscious efforts, rather than waiting passively for success to manifest itself by simple accident.
"There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures"