Aesop Quote by Francis Bacon
““And yet surely to alchemy this right is due, that it may be compared to the husbandman whereof Aesop makes the fable, that when he died he told his sons that he had left unto them gold buried under the ground in his vineyard: and they digged over the ground, gold they found none, but by reason of their stirring and digging the mould about the roots of their vines, they had a great vintage the year following: so assuredly the search and stir to make gold hath brought to light a great number of good and fruitful inventions and experiments, as well for the disclosing of nature as for the use of man's life.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays, The Advancement of Learning, 1620
The diligent search for hidden value often yields unexpected, practical benefits rather than the original treasure sought.
In simple terms: Hard work uncovers useful results.
Key Takeaway
Value effort over expected reward.
Themes
perseverance
discovery
innovation
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- research projects
- entrepreneurial ventures
- agricultural improvement
- scientific inquiry
Key Concepts
alchemy
serendipity
experimental method
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden benefits have you uncovered while pursuing a different aim?
- How can you reframe setbacks as opportunities for new discoveries?
A Different Perspective
Not all searches lead to the literal goal; patience and adaptability are required.
![“men are developed the same way gold is mined. When gold is mined, several tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold, but one doesn’t go into the mine looking for dirt, one goes in looking for gold, and the more he looks for the more he finds.”[9] Zig Ziglar used this story as an…” quote by Renee Swope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9df/renee-swope-10919_zig-ziglar_men-are-developed-the-same-way-gold-is-m_1819186.jpg)
