Most marriages don't add two people together. They subtract one from the other.
Ian FlemingRead
Above all, he liked it that everything was one's own fault. There was only oneself to praise or blame. Luck was a servant and not a master. Luck had to be accepted with a shrug or taken advantage of up to the hilt. But it had to be understood and recognized for what it was and not confused with a faulty appreciation of the odds, for, at gambling, the deadly sin is to mistake bad play for bad luck. And luck in all its moods had to be loved and not feared
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes personal responsibility and the understanding of luck in life; one should not confuse mistakes with fate.
Ian Fleming's quote delves into the concept of personal accountability, suggesting that individuals are responsible for their outcomes, whether they are successes or failures. It stresses the importance of recognizing that luck is a tool to be mastered rather than a force to fear, and that one must approach it with acceptance and a clear understanding of their own actions and choices. This perspective encourages an empowered mindset, where praise and blame are directed inward, promoting self-awareness and personal growth.
Themes
LuckResponsibilityAccountabilityGamblingLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about taking charge of one's life choices.
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If you interrupt the writing of fast narrative with too much introspection and self-criticism, you will be lucky if you write 500 words a day and you will be disgusted with them into the bargain. By following my formula, you write 2,000 words a day and you aren’t disgusted with them until the book is finished, which will be in about six weeks.
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