Potential, not realized - is, consistently, to the detriment of its beholder. A tree, for example, not allowed to sprout leaves or bear fruit - will be sickly as a result of its untapped capability. Man, too - aged and unaccomplished - may be hurt as a result of his unused ability. Man - unmarried and without children - will be hurt as a result of his unused giving potential (unless he can find another end for it).
Man is created in a terrestrial body - and a celestial soul. The potential of his body - is to create, and meet, his physical needs. The potential of his soul - is to come close to God - by means of divine commandments (mitzvos). Not doing Mitzvos - is not realizing the singular potential of the soul. That, inevitably, will leave the soul as damager of its beholder.
(Maharal: Tiferes Yisroel; Chapter 7)
Courtesy of www.JewishAmerica.com
