In theory I can do almost anything; certainly I have been told how. In practice I do as little as possible. I pretend to myself that I would be quite happy in a hermit's cave, living on gruel, if someone else would make the gruel. Gruel, like so many other things, is beyond me.
The quote reflects the tension between theoretical capability and practical action. The speaker acknowledges their knowledge and ability to do almost anything but admits to a tendency to avoid taking action. This suggests a struggle with motivation and the commitment required to execute their ideas.
The mention of living in a hermit's cave symbolizes a desire for simplicity and solitude, yet the speaker reveals an underlying dependence on others for basic needs. By expressing an affinity for gruel, they highlight a reluctance to engage fully with life’s challenges and responsibilities, indicating that even simple sustenance requires effort they are unwilling to exert.