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If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a…

“If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. For a canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus communicates, without loss to itself, its superabundant water. In the Church at the present…” quote by Bernard of Clairvaux
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“If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. For a canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus communicates, without loss to itself, its superabundant water. In the Church at the present day, we have many canals, few reservoirs.”

Bernard of Clairvaux

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Wisdom is better shown by containing knowledge like a reservoir than by spreading it thin like a canal, preserving depth and preventing loss.

In simple terms: Be a reservoir, not a canal.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate depth before sharing.

Themes

wisdom humility communication

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • teaching
  • personal growth
  • community building

Key Concepts

spirituality containment overflow

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance depth and openness?
  • When does sharing become dilution?
A Different Perspective

A reservoir may hold back useful knowledge if not shared timely.

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