“He is a fool who leaves things close at hand to follow what is out of reach.”
This powerful observation comes from Plutarch, the ancient Greek historian and philosopher. His words echo through centuries, offering a timeless warning against a common human flaw. We often overlook the value in our present lives. Instead, we fixate on distant, seemingly greener pastures. Plutarch’s message is not a call for complacency. Rather, it is a profound lesson in wisdom, gratitude, and the art of grounded ambition.
The Wisdom of Appreciating the Present
At its core, the quote champions the value of what is immediately available to us. These “things close at hand” are the building blocks of a fulfilling life. They include our relationships with family and friends, our current job skills, and the opportunities within our own communities. Furthermore, they encompass our health, our knowledge, and the simple joys of daily existence. These are tangible assets. We can nurture them, rely on them, and use them to build a better future.
Conversely, that which is “out of reach” represents the allure of the unknown and the idealized. It is the dream job in a distant city, the perfect relationship we imagine, or the social status we envy in others. While aspirations are healthy, Plutarch warns against the folly of chasing illusions. This pursuit often requires sacrificing the real, solid foundations we already possess. The fool, in this context, is not someone who lacks ambition. The fool is someone who trades certain value for uncertain fantasy, neglecting the garden they stand in to chase a mirage in the desert.
The High Cost of Neglect
The danger lies in the opportunity cost. When we pour all our energy into unattainable goals, we neglect what truly matters. For example, someone obsessed with becoming a celebrity might ignore the deep, meaningful connections with their family. An employee who only dreams of a future promotion may fail to excel in their current role, thereby missing the very stepping stone they need. This constant striving for more can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction. We achieve one goal only to immediately fixate on the next, never pausing to appreciate the journey or the destination. Consequently, happiness becomes a perpetually receding horizon, always just out of reach.
Modern Echoes of an Ancient Warning
Plutarch’s wisdom is arguably more relevant today than ever before. The digital age has created a culture of constant comparison. Social media feeds present curated, idealized versions of reality. We see others’ highlight reels and compare them to our own behind-the-scenes struggles. This can fuel a powerful sense of inadequacy. It makes our own lives—our own “things close at hand”—seem dull and insufficient.
Research consistently shows a link between high social media usage and feelings of depression and low self-esteem. Source We are constantly shown what is seemingly just out of our reach. This digital pressure makes it incredibly difficult to practice gratitude for our own circumstances.
Career, Relationships, and the ‘Grass is Greener’ Syndrome
This mindset seeps into every aspect of modern life. In our careers, the “hustle culture” encourages a relentless pursuit of the next title, the next salary bump, the next company. While ambition drives progress, this quote reminds us to find fulfillment in our current work. We should leverage the skills we have and build upon the opportunities right in front of us. A person who masters their current role is far more likely to advance than one who simply daydreams about a different job.
Similarly, in relationships, the search for a perfect, idealized partner can blind us to the wonderful qualities of the people already in our lives. It can also prevent us from putting in the work to nurture existing bonds. The quote encourages us to invest in the people who are here for us now. We should build on shared history and mutual support rather than chasing a romantic fantasy. True connection is a thing close at hand, but it requires our attention and care to flourish.
Finding Balance: Ambition with Roots
This ancient advice does not advocate for a life without goals. On the contrary, it provides a blueprint for achieving them wisely. The key is to build your future upon the foundation of your present. Instead of leaving things behind, you use them as leverage. This is the difference between grounded ambition and foolish fantasy.
Here are a few ways to apply this principle:
- Practice Active Gratitude: Regularly take stock of what you have. Acknowledge your skills, your relationships, and your current opportunities. This simple practice shifts your focus from what you lack to what you possess.
- Set Realistic, Incremental Goals: Use your current position as a starting point. What is the next logical step you can take? Focus on achievable milestones that build upon your existing strengths.
- Invest in Your Immediate Circle: Nurture your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. These connections are a vital source of support and happiness, far more valuable than a vast network of superficial contacts.
- Limit Comparative Inputs: Be mindful of your social media consumption. Unfollow accounts that trigger feelings of envy or inadequacy. Curate your digital environment to be inspiring and supportive, not discouraging.
Conclusion: The Wisdom of Where You Are
Plutarch’s quote, “He is a fool who leaves things close at hand to follow what is out of reach,” is a powerful reminder of where true value lies. It challenges us to look inward and around us before we look far away. It teaches that contentment and success are not found by abandoning our present reality for a distant dream. Instead, they are cultivated by appreciating, nurturing, and building upon the solid ground beneath our feet. True wisdom is recognizing the immense potential in the here and now. By focusing on what is close, we paradoxically equip ourselves with the strength and resources to eventually reach even our most ambitious goals.