This quote is a profound statement about the perils of overthinking and excessive caution. The term ‘overwise’ refers to a state of being excessively wise or overly cautious, to the point where it becomes a hindrance rather than a help. It suggests a state where one is so consumed by the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge that they forget to live and experience life. This is likened to ‘ossifying’, which means to become rigid or inflexible, just like a bone. In essence, the pursuit of excessive wisdom can lead to a lack of adaptability and growth.

The second part of the quote talks about a ‘scruple-monger’, a term that denotes someone who is overly concerned with small details, or who is excessively cautious or conscientious. This person is so caught up in their scruples (moral or ethical considerations) that they end up ‘standing stockstill’, or in other words, they become paralyzed by their own thoughts and considerations, and are unable to act or move forward.

Translating this idea to today’s world or personal development, it serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of overthinking or being overly cautious. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and choices, it’s easy to fall into the trap of analysis paralysis, where we are so caught up in weighing the pros and cons that we end up not making any decision at all. This quote reminds us that while wisdom and caution are important, they should not hinder our ability to act and move forward.

In terms of personal development, it suggests the importance of balance. While it’s important to be wise and considerate in our actions, we should also be willing to take risks and make decisions, even if they may not always be perfect. It’s through these experiences that we learn and grow, and become more adaptable and flexible. Otherwise, we run the risk of becoming rigid and stagnant, much like the ‘overwise’ person or the ‘scruple-monger’ in the quote.