When you are considering buying a farm, do not be too eager. Examine it carefully, and do not think that one visit is enough.
01 / Meaning
Check Carefully Before You Buy
What does it mean?
Cato wrote about how to choose a farm. He advised buyers to visit it more than once and not decide too quickly. Excitement can hide important faults.
The same idea applies today to homes, businesses, and investments. A second review often reveals costs, risks, or unanswered questions that we missed at first. Looking for reasons not to buy helps us decide more calmly.
02 / Practice
Put this thought into practice
Write down three reasons that support the purchase or decision.
Write down three reasons that argue against the purchase or decision.
Ask someone you trust to point out one possible error in your assessment.
03 / Your task
5 minutesChoose one current decision. In five minutes, write one reason for it, one against it, and one unanswered question.
Personal growth begins with one small step.
04 / Reflection
Reflection question
Which important question must you answer before you decide?
Let the question stay with you for a moment. An honest answer matters more than a quick one.
06
Source and context
A close English rendering from De agricultura 1.1
A close English rendering of the source. Cato is specifically discussing the purchase of a farm.
Open the referenced source: Cato, De agricultura 1.1