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I'd rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far; for a might have-been has never been, but a has was once an are.
Milton Berle
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Interpretation

What this quote means

It is better to strive for your dreams and risk failure than to never try at all.

This quote emphasizes the importance of striving for one's goals, suggesting that it is preferable to be a 'could-be' who is actively pursuing aspirations, rather than a passive 'might-have-been' who never took action. It highlights the value of taking risks and embracing possibilities, regardless of the outcome, as this pursuit grants a sense of achievement and growth even if success isn’t guaranteed.

Themes

DreamsPursuitRiskFailureAmbitionPossibility

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech to young entrepreneurs.

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