The wildest colts make the best horses.

Host: The late afternoon sun bathed the park in a soft, golden light. The air was crisp with the first hints of fall, the leaves rustling gently in the breeze. In the distance, children’s laughter echoed, their voices carried by the wind. Jeeny and Jack sat on a worn wooden bench, the sound of their conversation blending with the distant chatter and the occasional clink of a coffee cup. Jack, always the skeptic, leaned back, his fingers tracing the edge of his cup, while Jeeny sat forward, her eyes sharp, reflecting the warmth of the sun.

Jeeny: “I came across this quote earlier today. Plutarch said, ‘The wildest colts make the best horses.’ I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Jack: “The wildest colts, huh? Sounds like some kind of advice for taming the rebellious, doesn’t it? You know, teach them to behave, and then they’ll be useful.”

Host: Jeeny nodded, her gaze fixed ahead, the quote clearly resonating with her. She spoke carefully, choosing her words with purpose.

Jeeny: “I think it’s more than that. It’s about potential, about how the most unruly, the ones who push against everything, often have the most to offer. Plutarch wasn’t just talking about taming them into something manageable—he was talking about finding the strength in that wildness, using it to shape something extraordinary.”

Jack: “But what if that wildness is just chaos? What if it doesn’t have any real value? Not everyone can be tamed into something great. Some people just burn out.”

Host: Jeeny turned to look at Jack, her expression serious, but there was a soft determination in her voice.

Jeeny: “That’s true. Not every wild spirit becomes something great. But sometimes, that wildness is where the energy comes from. The ones who don’t fit into the mold, the ones who challenge the system—they often bring new ideas, new ways of thinking. Think about the great innovators, the ones who changed the world. They were often the most rebellious, the ones who refused to follow the rules.”

Jack: “Sure, I get that. But there’s a difference between being rebellious and being destructive. Not all wild colts turn into great horses. Some just run off the track.”

Host: The wind picked up slightly, ruffling the pages of a nearby book, the rustling sound adding a layer of intensity to the conversation. Jeeny leaned forward slightly, her voice growing a touch more passionate.

Jeeny: “But that’s the point, Jack. It’s not about everyone being perfect, or about everyone following the same path. Some of the best leaders, the most impactful people, were the ones who were hard to control, who didn’t fit in. They needed a little guidance, but that wildness was their strength. It’s about shaping the energy, not forcing it into something it’s not.”

Jack: “And how do you shape that energy without breaking it? How do you keep that spirit from becoming a hindrance instead of an asset?”

Host: Jeeny smiled, a soft but knowing smile, as if she understood both the frustration and the promise in Jack’s words. She took a slow breath, her voice steady.

Jeeny: “It’s about balance, Jack. It’s about recognizing that wildness is a part of who they are, but it doesn’t have to control them. It’s about channeling that energy in the right direction. Think of it like a horse that refuses to be tamed. You can’t break its spirit, but you can teach it to focus that energy. The best horses don’t lose their wildness; they learn to use it.”

Jack: “And what if they never learn? What if they can’t be tamed at all? What if they just stay wild, without any direction?”

Host: There was a brief pause, the question hanging in the air between them. Jeeny’s eyes softened, and she turned to face Jack, her voice gentler now.

Jeeny: “Not everyone can be shaped, Jack. Some people will always remain untamed, and that’s okay. But those who can find their way, those who can take their wildness and turn it into something focused—they can achieve greatness. It’s not about forcing people to change, it’s about recognizing that their strength is in their wildness, and helping them find a way to channel it.”

Jack: “I suppose that’s true. Maybe it’s about recognizing potential in people, even when they’re difficult or don’t fit the mold. But it’s still a lot easier to let them run wild and hope for the best.”

Host: Jeeny laughed softly, the sound light but full of meaning. The sun outside continued to cast a warm glow on the park, and the moment seemed to stretch, filled with understanding.

Jeeny: “It’s easier, sure. But where’s the fun in that? Some of the best things in life come from taking the wild, the unpredictable, and learning how to harness it. It’s not about breaking someone down; it’s about helping them find direction. A wild colt might not be easy to handle, but if you can guide it, it can become something incredible.”

Jack: “I see what you mean now. It’s not about changing them, but about helping them grow. Wildness can be the foundation of something amazing.”

Host: The conversation slowed as they both sat back, the weight of the discussion settling in. The sunlight grew softer as it sank lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the park, as if reflecting the complexity of the conversation. The world outside continued on, wild and untamed, just as the wildest colts, when shaped and nurtured, often made the best horses.