This quote essentially suggests that stubbornness, when not guided by wisdom, is the most fragile attribute a person can possess. When Aeschylus speaks of obstinacy, he refers to an unyielding or inflexible attitude, an unwillingness to change one’s mind or adapt to new circumstances. However, if this obstinacy isn’t tempered or directed by wisdom, it becomes a weakness rather than a strength.

Wisdom, in this context, implies a deep understanding and knowledge, an ability to make sound judgments and decisions. Wisdom provides perspective and context; it allows us to see beyond our immediate desires or beliefs and understand the bigger picture. Without wisdom, obstinacy is just blind stubbornness – a refusal to change or adapt, even when it’s in our best interest to do so.

Applying this to the modern world or personal development, we can think of it in terms of being open-minded and adaptable. In today’s rapidly changing world, being rigid or inflexible can be a significant disadvantage. Whether it’s in the workplace, in personal relationships, or in our own personal growth, the ability to adapt to new situations, to learn from our experiences, and to change our minds when presented with new information is incredibly valuable.

However, this doesn’t mean we should simply go along with whatever the latest trend or opinion might be. That’s where the wisdom part comes in. It’s about being able to critically evaluate new information, to consider its source and its implications, and to make informed decisions based on that. It’s about learning from our past experiences and using that knowledge to guide our future actions.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as a call to cultivate both flexibility and wisdom. It’s not enough to simply be open to new ideas; we also need to develop the wisdom to discern which of these ideas are worth pursuing. And it’s not enough to simply accumulate knowledge; we also need to develop the flexibility to adapt that knowledge to new situations and challenges. In this way, we can turn what might otherwise be a weakness – obstinacy – into a strength.