Aristotle – ancient Greek philosopher
One day, Aristotle picked up an olive from the ground and held it up. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘this is more than just a fruit.’ The olive tree grows slowly, but bears fruit for generations. The same is true of knowledge: it requires patience, care and moderation. Those who judge too hastily reap immaturity; those who observe attentively, however, gain wisdom of lasting value.
He explained that the olive tree seeks neither abundance nor scarcity. It thrives where there is balance – just like virtue, which Aristotle understood as the middle ground between extremes. The oil extracted from the olive nourishes the body, lights the lamp at night and honors the gods. In the same way, knowledge should serve mankind: practical, enlightening and meaningful.
