"Expect poison from the standing water "

Imagine a pond that never gets fresh water. It just sits there, stagnant, over time becoming a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty stuff. That's the crux of the quote. If something isn’t moving, changing, or growing, it can become harmful. Think of water that’s been sitting still for way too long. It gets gross, smelly, and dangerous. The same logic can apply to ideas, habits, or even people.

Historically, this idea has roots in various philosophies and wisdom traditions. The quote itself comes from William Blake, an 18th-century poet known for his deep and often mystical insights into human nature and society. Blake believed in the vitality of change and the dangers of stagnation. For him, static situations were unnatural and could lead to decay.

Take, for instance, a workplace scenario. Think about a company that stops innovating. A few years ago, it was on top—its products were new, exciting, and everyone wanted in. But then it got comfortable. It stopped pushing boundaries, stopped trying new things. Fast forward a bit, and that once-thriving company is now struggling. It's losing customers to newer, more innovative competitors. Its technology is outdated, and its once-loyal employees are jumping ship. The company, like standing water, has become stagnant and is now facing the consequences.

So, how do you make sure you’re not stuck in stagnant water? First, keep learning. Whether it’s picking up a new skill, reading widely, or just staying curious about the world, make sure you’re always moving forward. Don’t get too comfortable with the status quo. Second, be open to change. It’s easy to fall into routines that feel safe, but real growth often happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Take up that new project, switch up your routine, or even consider a career change if things are feeling too stagnant.

Now, picture this: you’re in a small town, running a cozy little bookstore. It’s been your dream, and for a while, it’s going great. But slowly, business starts to dip. People aren’t coming in as much. The same books are sitting on the shelves. You start to worry. What do you do? You could keep things the same, hoping business picks up again. Or, you could shake things up—bring in local authors for book signings, host reading groups, start a little café in the store. By injecting new ideas and activities, you’re revitalizing the store, keeping it from becoming that stagnant pond.

In essence, always strive for movement and growth in whatever you do. Static situations can breed negativity, decay, and even failure. Keep things fresh and dynamic. Think of it like this: life’s too short to be standing still in the same spot. Keep the water moving.