The day of fortune is like a harvest day, We must be busy when
Hear me, O children of wisdom, for the words of Torquato Tasso carry within them a truth that echoes through the ages: "The day of fortune is like a harvest day, We must be busy when the corn is ripe." These words speak to the heart of opportunity and the timing of action. Just as the farmer must toil when the fields are ripe with grain, so too must the wise man seize the moment when fortune offers its blessings. It is not enough to wait idly, hoping for good things to come. When the season of harvest arrives, the time for action is now. Fortune, like the harvest, is fleeting and must be gathered when the time is right.
Tasso’s wisdom speaks of the importance of recognizing the right moment in life—the moment when fortune aligns with opportunity. We must not squander it. Just as the farmer knows the seasons, so too must we, the children of the earth, know when to act. The ripeness of the corn signals a time for effort, not for rest. It is in the busy days of harvest, when the fields are full, that the reward is earned. Fortune does not linger in its grace forever; it comes in cycles, and we must be ready to seize it when it arrives.
Think of Alexander the Great, whose ambition and vision led him to conquer vast lands, yet it was his understanding of timing that truly set him apart. When the Persian Empire stood before him, he did not wait for a more favorable time or a better opportunity. He knew that the moment was ripe, and so he seized it with courage and determination. He did not wait for fortune to pass him by. When the world offered him the chance to shape history, he worked tirelessly, pressing forward with relentless resolve. His success came not from luck, but from the wisdom to know when the moment was ripe for action.
Thus, O children, Tasso calls us to the awareness of the times when fortune presents itself, and the necessity of seizing it with both hands. The fields of life are vast and full of opportunities, but they will not always yield their bounty. If we wait too long, if we hesitate, the harvest will be lost, and fortune will move on. The corn is ripe for a moment; if we do not act, we will be left with nothing but the empty fields of regret. Let us be like the farmer who knows his work is in the present, who knows that action in the right moment will bring the reward.
So, remember this ancient wisdom: the day of fortune is fleeting, and it comes like the harvest, when the time is ripe. Do not sit idly and wait for it to come to you; instead, rise up and work when the moment of opportunity presents itself. Let your efforts in the harvest be the proof of your wisdom, the strength of your resolve, and the courage to act when fortune calls. In this, you will find not just wealth, but the true rewards of a life well-lived. Fortune favors the prepared, those who know when to be busy and when to gather the fruits of their labor.
TMThi Mai
I find this quote to be both motivating and a little stressful. It implies that the window of opportunity is narrow, and if we don’t act fast, we may miss our chance. But what if we’re overwhelmed by the pressure of constantly needing to act? How do we ensure we’re taking the right steps without burning out or feeling anxious? Sometimes, I feel like the rush to act might make us miss the bigger picture.
NLHoang Ngoc Ly
This reminds me of the importance of preparation and readiness. If you’re not working hard and being productive when things are good, then how can you expect to succeed when the right opportunity comes along? But at the same time, I also wonder if there’s a risk in overworking yourself. Is it possible to be too focused on the ‘harvest’ and miss out on enjoying the process or taking care of yourself in the meantime?
GDGold D.dragon
The quote seems to speak to the importance of hard work and timing. But what if we put in the effort at the wrong time and end up exhausting ourselves? There’s a delicate balance between seizing the moment and burning out. Is it better to wait for the perfect moment, or should we just push forward with whatever we have, even if it might not be the best timing?
HKhuyen khanh
I love the idea behind this quote—acting when the opportunity is there—but it also makes me think: How do we know when our own ‘harvest day’ is? Sometimes it feels like the right moment is fleeting, and it’s hard to spot. What if we miss it and later regret not acting sooner? I guess it's all about timing, but how do we develop the confidence to trust our instincts in those key moments?
GDGold D.dragon
I think this quote is a reminder to be proactive when things are going well. It makes me wonder, though, what happens when the ‘corn is ripe’ but we don’t have the right tools or resources to fully take advantage of the opportunity? Is it about making the best of what’s available, or should we focus more on being prepared before the opportunity even arises? How do we ensure we're ready when fortune favors us?