This quote emphasizes the importance of intention and spirit behind any action or method. It suggests that any means or tools, no matter how effective or innovative they may be, are essentially useless if they lack a purpose, a vision, or a ‘living spirit’ behind them. In other words, the driving force behind any action is more important than the action itself. The ‘living spirit’ could be interpreted as the passion, the drive, the motivation, or the purpose behind the use of these means.

In the context of today’s world, this idea can be applied to various sectors. In business, for instance, a company may have all the resources, technologies, and strategies, but if it lacks a clear vision or purpose, it may not succeed. Similarly, in education, one might have access to the best resources and teachers, but without the drive to learn, these resources may not be utilized effectively.

In terms of personal development, this quote underlines the importance of having a clear goal or purpose in life. It suggests that we could have all the skills, resources, and opportunities, but if we lack a ‘living spirit’—a clear purpose or passion—we might not be able to utilize these means effectively. Therefore, it is essential to find our passion or purpose in life and let it guide our actions and decisions. Only then can we fully utilize the means available to us and achieve our goals.