Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat him as he could be, and he will become what he should be.

The saying contrasts two approaches to human development: accepting people strictly as they presently are versus relating to them in light of their latent capacities. It argues that expectations and treatment can be self-fulfilling—low expectations tend to preserve the status quo, while aspirational expectations can invite growth and responsibility. In educational, managerial, or coaching settings, the quote functions as a defense of mentorship that is both demanding and affirming: seeing a “possible self” in someone and behaving accordingly can help them internalize higher standards. Its moral edge is that people are not fixed; how we address them can either reinforce limitations or cultivate character.