It’s a metaphor for the idea that things that are hard to accomplish are often not as rewarding as we might expect.

  • 𝕽𝖚𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍
    4·
    4 days ago

    There is a German song about the opposite. The title, loosely translated, is “the sweetest fruit is eaten only buy the biggest animals” because (as the song explains) the sweetest fruit grows in the highest branches.

    This version has only German subtitles, but you might find one with English.

    • JackGreenEarth@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      5·
      4 days ago

      Sometimes we’re told that, and sometimes it’s true, but often it’s an excuse to get people to work harder, eg at a job, but the result is actually lower quality work.

      • monkeyman512@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        3 days ago

        I think you are confusing effort/reward with the issue of autonomy. You may personally find the less “rewarding” thing more enjoyable because you were empowered to make the choice.