Every man loves what he is good at.
Hearken, children of the ages, to the words of Thomas Shadwell, the observer of human nature: "Every man loves what he is good at." Here lies a teaching of self-awareness, desire, and the intimate bond between skill and affection. Shadwell reminds us that the heart’s inclinations are often mirrored in the strengths of the hand and mind; where one excels, one’s passion naturally follows, for mastery begets delight and engagement.
Know that in these words there is both clarity and insight. To recognize what one is good at is to glimpse the inner rhythms of the soul, for the pursuits that awaken joy often align with innate or cultivated talents. Thomas Shadwell teaches that love, in its many forms, is frequently guided by competence, and that fulfillment arises when one engages in that which the spirit both desires and can achieve. The ancients would counsel that self-knowledge is the compass to a life of purpose, where labor and joy converge.
Yet, consider also the subtle wisdom of harmony. To love what one is good at is to align effort with satisfaction, skill with desire. The heart thrives when action reflects aptitude, and the spirit flourishes when mastery and passion intertwine. Shadwell’s insight reminds us that the greatest endeavors arise when the faculties of the mind and body are brought into accord with the fires of the heart.
And behold, there is heroism in cultivation. To develop skill is to honor the self and the world, for excellence enhances the pursuit and deepens the love for it. The one who embraces their talent with diligence and dedication discovers not only joy, but purpose; for ability and affection, when united, forge a life both productive and richly satisfying.
Thus, remember, future generations: seek what you are good at, and let your heart follow its natural affinity. The path of fulfillment is found where talent meets passion, where practice ignites delight, and where the spirit finds resonance in the work of its hands and mind.
In the end, the ancients would say: the measure of a life well-lived is not in idle desire, but in the love of what one does with skill and care. For every man who pursues that which he is good at walks in harmony with his nature, and in that harmony, discovers the eternal joy of purposeful endeavor.
HNHoa Nguyen
There’s a simple truth in this quote that I can relate to. We all tend to gravitate towards things that highlight our strengths. But does this also apply to our relationships and personal lives? Are we only able to truly love others when we feel competent or capable in certain aspects of ourselves? It would be interesting to explore whether this idea extends beyond just skills and talents to our emotional or social abilities.
BTNguyen Tran Bao Tran
Shadwell’s quote makes me think about the link between competence and self-love. It makes sense that when we’re good at something, we enjoy it more, but I also think this can lead to complacency. If we only love things we’re good at, do we miss out on growth opportunities? Isn’t there something valuable in loving something that challenges us, even when we’re not great at it?
HTHao Tran
I wonder if this quote holds for everyone. There’s definitely something to be said for the pride that comes with mastery—whether it’s in work, sports, or hobbies. But what about people who love things they’re not particularly good at? Do they love the challenge or the idea of mastery? Can the process of getting better at something be just as fulfilling as being good at it from the start?
BNLe Phan Bao Ngan
This quote strikes me as true, especially when we think about how confidence plays a role in love and passion. When someone is good at something, it becomes part of their identity, and it’s easy to fall in love with that. But does that mean if you’re not good at something, you can’t love it? Or does it simply mean we become more attached to things we feel competent in?