This quote is a metaphor that emphasizes the importance of utilizing the best resources available to you. The ‘fountain’ is a symbol for a source of abundance or wealth, while the ‘water-pot’ signifies a lesser, more limited resource. In essence, Leonardo da Vinci is saying that when you have access to a superior resource, it would be unwise to settle for a lesser one.

Applying this to personal development, it encourages individuals to aim high and not settle for mediocrity. If you have the opportunity to learn from an expert in your field, for example, you should take it rather than settling for less qualified sources. It also suggests that one should always strive to improve and seek the best possible tools, knowledge, and experience in their endeavors.

In the context of today’s world, this quote could relate to the use of technology and information. With the internet, we have a ‘fountain’ of information available at our fingertips. It would be inefficient and unwise to rely solely on limited, outdated resources (‘water-pot’) when we have access to a vast amount of information and learning tools online.

However, it’s also a reminder to be discerning about the sources we use. Just because information is abundant doesn’t mean it’s all reliable or accurate. Therefore, the ‘fountain’ should also represent quality, not just quantity.

In a broader societal context, the quote could be interpreted as a critique of inequality. Those with access to the ‘fountain’ of resources (wealth, opportunities, education) have a distinct advantage over those who only have a ‘water-pot’. This interpretation calls for a more equitable distribution of resources.