Meaning: The quote "To appreciate and use correctly a valuable maxim requires a genius; a vital appropriating exercise of mind closely allied to that which first created it" by William Alger, a 19th-century American writer, encapsulates the idea that understanding and applying profound truths or principles requires more than just intelligence – it calls for a deep and creative engagement of the mind. This quote invites us to consider the complexity and depth involved in truly grasping and making use of valuable insights, suggesting that it demands a level of mental agility and creativity akin to the original act of conceiving the maxim.

At its core, this quote prompts us to reflect on the nature of wisdom and the process of internalizing and applying it in our lives. "A valuable maxim" can be understood as a fundamental truth, principle, or piece of wisdom that holds significant guidance or insight. It might be a proverb, a philosophical idea, or a moral precept that encapsulates profound understanding about human nature or the world. Alger's assertion that appreciating and using such a maxim requires a genius challenges us to consider the depth of insight and mental acuity necessary to fully comprehend and effectively apply such wisdom.

The notion of "a vital appropriating exercise of mind" implies that the process of understanding and utilizing a valuable maxim is not passive but an active and engaging mental endeavor. It suggests that merely acknowledging the existence of a maxim is not sufficient; rather, one must actively appropriate and internalize its meaning, integrating it into one's cognitive framework and lived experience. This appropriation involves a dynamic engagement with the maxim, one that requires a profound connection between the mind and the wisdom being considered.

Furthermore, Alger's reference to the process being "closely allied to that which first created it" draws attention to the creative and generative aspect of understanding and utilizing wisdom. It suggests that the mental exercise required to appreciate and apply a valuable maxim is akin to the original act of conceiving the maxim. This notion emphasizes the creative and transformative nature of engaging with wisdom, implying that the process of internalizing and using a maxim involves a form of mental creativity and originality.

In essence, Alger's quote highlights the depth and complexity involved in truly comprehending and applying valuable insights. It challenges us to recognize that wisdom is not merely a matter of intellectual prowess but requires an active and creative engagement of the mind. It also implies that the process of engaging with wisdom is not one-dimensional but involves a dynamic and transformative interaction between the individual and the profound truths or principles being considered.

In practical terms, this quote encourages us to approach wisdom with humility and an open mind, recognizing that the process of understanding and applying valuable maxims is not straightforward. It invites us to cultivate a mindset that is receptive to the profound insights offered by wisdom and to actively engage with them in a way that goes beyond mere intellectual comprehension.

Ultimately, Alger's quote serves as a reminder of the depth and richness of wisdom, challenging us to approach it with a sense of reverence and intellectual curiosity. It prompts us to recognize that the journey of understanding and utilizing valuable maxims is a deeply creative and transformative process that demands more than just intelligence – it requires a vital and innovative exercise of the mind.