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I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.
Groucho Marx
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Happiness is a choice that depends on our perspective in the present moment.

This quote by Groucho Marx emphasizes the importance of personal agency in determining our happiness. It suggests that while we cannot control past events or predict the future, we can make a conscious decision to embrace the present day with a positive attitude, choosing happiness regardless of external circumstances.

Themes

HappinessChoicePresentMindsetPositivity

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about mental well-being, one could use this quote to inspire the audience to focus on the present.

More from Groucho Marx

Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.
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John you say you met in an elevator. Was the elevator going up at the time, or down? This is very important, for going down in an elevator one always has that sinking feeling and for all I know you may have this confused with love. If you were going up, it is clearly a case of love at first sight.
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Firefly: Where is your husband? Mrs. Teasdale: Why, he's dead. Firefly: I'll bet he's just using that as an excuse. Mrs. Teasdale: I was with him to the very end. Firefly: Hmmph. No wonder he passed away. Mrs. Teasdale: I held him in my arms and kissed him. Firefly: Oh I see. Then, it was murder.
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Chico: "Here's the book, it's a dollar" Groucho: "Here's a ten, and shoot the change." Chico: "I don't have change I'd have to give you nine more books.
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Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth.
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Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do!
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