--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The old proverb, applied to fire and…" description: "\"The old proverb, applied to fire and water, may with equal truth be applied to the imagination - it is a good servant, but a bad master.\" — Letitia Eli..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19d/letitia-elizabeth-landon-2397_equal_the-old-proverb-applied-to-fire-and-wate_2138722.jpg" --- # The old proverb, applied to fire and water, may with equal… ![“The old proverb, applied to fire and water, may with equal truth be applied to the imagination - it is a good servant, but a bad master.” quote by Letitia Elizabeth Landon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19d/letitia-elizabeth-landon-2397_equal_the-old-proverb-applied-to-fire-and-wate_2138722.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19d/letitia-elizabeth-landon-2397_equal_the-old-proverb-applied-to-fire-and-wate_2138722.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19d/letitia-elizabeth-landon-2397_equal_the-old-proverb-applied-to-fire-and-wate_2138722.jpg) > “The old proverb, applied to fire and water, may with equal truth be applied to the imagination - it is a good servant, but a bad master.” [Letitia Elizabeth Landon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/letitia-elizabeth-landon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Imagination can empower but also dominate if not controlled. **In simple terms:** Imagination is useful but can become a tyrant. Key Takeaway Balance imagination with discipline. Themes creativity control power mindset Mood reflective cautious Type philosophical advisory When to use this quote - creative work - problem solving - personal growth - leadership Key Concepts psychology self‑mastery imagination Questions to Reflect On - How do you keep imagination in check? - When does imagination become a hindrance? A Different Perspective Overreliance on imagination may lead to unrealistic expectations. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Fire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fire/) [Imagination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imagination/) [Old proverb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/old-proverb/) [Proverb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/proverb/) [Servant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/servant/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Water](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/water/) ## Related quotes > [Do not value money for any more nor any less than its worth; it is a good servant but a bad master.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-alexandre-dumas/do-not-value-money-for-any-more-nor-any-less-than-its-worth-it-is-a/) Thomas-Alexandre Dumas > [Money. 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