WORDS TO LIVE BY
by mia hinkle
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is credited with this quote, probably in reference to his experiences as a worldwide explorer who holds numerous endurance records.
But the thing I like about these words is the insinuation of personal responsibility. Growing up in Minnesota, we learned early that the nature of your clothing had a direct correlation to the success of your outdoor plans. Dress for the weather and have a great time. Dress poorly and have a miserable time. It’s that simple.
You will encounter people throughout your life who make a habit of blaming everyone else for their woes. Figuratively speaking, they dress in inappropriate clothing and are continually too cold or too hot, insisting those around them are to blame for their misery.
They blame the government. They blame the schools. They blame their parents. They blame their boss. They blame their spouse. They blame their business partner. They blame the system.
People like this would die from exposure and blame the weather. While the weather may be the driving force, it’s their lack of foresight and preparation that would do them in. People like this have not discovered that they can give leadership to their own thoughts. And they live in misery. Usually making those around them miserable along the way.
It’s best to plan ahead, set your priorities, and put on the appropriate dress for the occasion. Only then can you be the master of your own fate and the captain of your soul. After all, you are the master of your own destiny. You can influence, direct, and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be,” says author Napoleon Hill.
Here are a few more thoughts from famous writers on the topic:
“Take responsibility of your own happiness, never put it in other people’s hands.” ― Roy T. Bennett, ‘The Light in The Heart’, 2020
“Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.” ― George Bernard Shaw, ‘Man, And Superman’, 1903
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.” ― Jean-Paul Sartre, ‘Existentialism And Human Emotions’, 1957
“And a step backward, after making a wrong turn, is a step in the right direction.” ― Kurt Vonnegut, ‘Player Piano’, 1952
“Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.” ― Noam Chomsky
“The thing the sixties did was to show us the possibilities and the responsibility that we all had. –John Lennon
