We speak of many things parrot-like, but never do them; speaking and not doing has become a habit with us. What is the cause of that? Physical weakness. . . .
First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterwards. Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to heaven through football than through the study of the Gita. These are bold words; but I have to say them, for I love you. I know where the shoe pinches. I have gained a little experience. You will understand the Gita better with your biceps, your muscles, a little stronger. You will understand the mighty genius and the mighty strength of
Swami Vivekananda
(Source - Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda 1: 134)
The statement - we speak of many things parrot-like, but
never do them; speaking and not doing has become a habit with us. What is the
cause of that? Physical weakness. - reflects on the tendency of some
individuals to talk about various topics extensively, akin to how a parrot
mimics speech, without actually taking action or implementing what they
discuss. The assertion that physical weakness is the cause suggests that the
lack of action stems from a deficiency in physical strength or energy,
preventing individuals from translating their words into deeds.
However, it's worth noting that the concept of
"physical weakness" here might be metaphorical rather than strictly
referring to physical stamina. It could imply a lack of willpower, motivation,
or commitment to follow through on one's words with actions. This could be due
to various factors such as procrastination, fear of failure, lack of
confidence, or simply being overwhelmed by the demands of daily life.
In essence, the statement highlights a common human tendency
to engage in verbal discourse without accompanying action, often attributed to
an underlying obstacle—whether physical, psychological, or circumstantial—that
inhibits the translation of words into deeds.