A ship in port is safe but that's not what ships are built for what is that means?

what that saying comes down to mean you can't make any money while your boat is not on the open sea

a ship that is tied to a dock cannot make money for its owner but mustbe at sea carrying goods to other countries. this applies to all forms of transportation to make money your carriers must be in motion

This quote is not necessarily meant to be taken so literally. The ship is a metaphor for our lives. It means that it is easy to hide from life's challenges and always take the safe road. But if we challenge ourselves and live to our fullest potential, we are capable of great things.