"The wildest colts make the best horses"

Plutarch’s words suggest that unpredictable, spirited beginnings can evolve into exceptional maturity and capability. Wild colts, untamed and full of energy, represent individuals or natures brimming with intensity, restlessness, or defiance. At first glance, such untamed vigor may seem troublesome or unmanageable, as it stands in contrast with immediate expectations for obedience and order. However, hidden within this wildness is rich potential, an inherent power waiting to be refined. The process of growth, learning, and guidance—much like the gradual taming of a colt—transforms raw energy and passion into controlled strength and excellence.

Often, people whose temperaments are restless, imaginative, or rebellious, face criticism or find themselves at odds with conventional norms. Their vigor may even be misunderstood as recklessness or lack of discipline. Yet, when nurtured with patience and understanding, this powerful drive can become a source of greatness. History is filled with examples of innovators, leaders, and artists whose early lives mirrored wild colts, only to become extraordinary through the channeling of their energies.

Plutarch’s observation also offers encouragement to educators, mentors, and society at large. Rather than stifling the exuberance of youth or those who do not easily conform, guidance should focus on shaping that vitality while preserving its essence. The transformation is not about suppressing wildness entirely, but about directing it toward productive purposes. The best horses are not those broken in body or spirit, but the ones whose energies blend with training, resulting in both mastery and spirit.

Ultimately, the saying reveals faith in human potential, arguing that untamed beginnings are not weaknesses to be eradicated, but foundations for greatness. Wildness, far from being a defect, can yield resilience, creativity, and exceptional achievement when given the opportunity to grow.