If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
Milton BerleRead
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.
Interpretation
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.
In practice
During a motivational speech to young entrepreneurs.
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
Laughter is an instant vacation.
There's a difference between being a comic and a comedian. A comic is a guy who says funny things, and a comedian is a guy who says things funny, and he has a style and point of view that will last much longer.
I have tried to keep on with my striving because this is the only hope I have of ever achieving anything worthwhile and lasting.
The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.
Of course there are moments that you wonder how long you should be doing it because there are other aspects which are not nice, of this lifestyle. But I just love winning.
The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.
If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off... no matter what they say.
I am a great admirer of other actors, but I never compete with other actors. I always compete with what I did last, and I'm my own most vicious critic. So I'm always trying to do it better.
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