This quote, "He who does not know his way to the sea should take a river for his guide," uses the metaphor of a river leading to the sea to illustrate a fundamental principle of guidance and navigation in life.

In essence, it suggests that if you are unclear about the path towards your ultimate goal (the sea), you should follow a path that is certain to lead you there (the river). This could be a process, a mentor, a system, or a set of principles that has been proven to lead towards the desired outcome. If you’re lost and unsure of how to reach your destination, it’s wise to follow a path that’s already been laid out by those who came before you.

In today’s world, this could be applied in many ways. For instance, in career development, if someone aspires to be a successful entrepreneur but doesn’t know how to start, they might follow the path of successful entrepreneurs before them, learning from their experiences and emulating their strategies. This could involve reading their books, attending their talks, or even seeking their direct mentorship.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of having role models and mentors. If you aspire to develop certain qualities or achieve certain goals, you can look to those who have already achieved these things. Their path can serve as your ‘river,’ guiding you towards your ‘sea.’

Moreover, this quote also emphasizes the importance of taking action. Even if you don’t know exactly how to reach your goal, it’s crucial to start moving in the right direction. Over time, you’ll learn and adjust your course as necessary. Like a river that twists and turns on its way to the sea, your path may not be straight or direct, but as long as you’re moving in the right direction, you’re making progress towards your goal.

In conclusion, this quote encourages us to seek guidance when we’re unsure of our path, to learn from those who have succeeded before us, and to keep moving towards our goals, even when the path is uncertain.