Are you counting apples or seeds?

We can easily count the seeds in an apple, but not possible to count the apples in a seed.

-Unknown

I came across this quote while listening to a recorded talk by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I was astonished by its truth and the simplicity with which it conveys such profound thoughts.

We learned in childhood about countable and uncountable nouns. But here’s an interesting case—the number of apples becomes uncountable! This idea sheds light on the hidden potential behind small things. A single apple seed, when planted and nurtured, can produce countless apples. Each of those apples contains seeds that can grow more trees, leading to an infinite chain. So, we cannot count the apples in a seed—we can only count the seeds in an apple.

What do we usually focus on? Most of the time, it’s the apple in our hand. Seeds are ignored and discarded. Only a farmer who understands their potential sees them differently.

Isn’t this true in many aspects of life? It applies not only to seeds but also to thoughts, small actions, and tasks we undertake. Yes, we need to focus on what’s in our hands and enjoy it mindfully—but that should not make us overlook the potential of ideas, people, or opportunities that may seem insignificant now.

Most of humanity’s greatest achievements—monuments, structures, performances, scientific inventions, technological wonders, and literary masterpieces—began as a single seed, a fleeting thought. With the right environment and nourishment, those seeds bore fruit for the world. The person who had the idea often labored for years to turn it into reality.

Take the example of airplanes—born from someone’s imagination of flying like a bird, now enabling millions to travel across countries as if it were a natural right. Or mobile phones and computers—can we even imagine life without them? Medical breakthroughs didn’t fall from the sky. Many celebrated innovations were ridiculed when first expressed.

Those who succeeded ignored the naysayers. They nurtured their ideas, found the right conditions, and took deliberate actions—the hardest part of the journey. But here’s the question: how many of us truly believe in our ideas enough to take the steps needed to realize them? It’s easy and safe to count the seeds in an apple before eating it. But the real challenge—and reward—lies in imagining and working toward counting the apples in those seeds.

What are you counting? Do you remember the seeds that you would have discarded from your mind? Are you planning to get them back and nurture them to grow? Not all seeds grow into giant trees—but shrubs, bushes, and small plants also have their place. The earth does not discriminate; only humans do. Sow the seeds and nurture them without worrying too much about the outcome. Let nature decide on it.

—Anitha KC