All our talents increase in the using, and every faculty…
“All our talents increase in the using, and every faculty, both good and bad, strengthens by exercise: therefore, if you choose to use the bad, or those which tend to evil till they become your masters, and neglect the good till they dwindle away, you have only yourself to blame.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Our abilities grow through use; neglecting good habits while indulging bad ones makes us responsible for their dominance.
In simple terms: Using skills strengthens them; ignoring good harms them.
Cultivate good habits, limit harmful ones.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- daily routines
- education
- career development
- personal relationships
- self‑discipline
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits are you neglecting?
- How can you balance using both good and bad faculties?
Bad habits can be hard to break and may require external support.