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When I’ve been unsuccessful, I’ve been controlled. When I’ve been successful, I’ve been in control.
Katharine Hepburn
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Success is about taking control of one's life, while failure is often associated with being controlled by external factors.

Katharine Hepburn's quote reflects the relationship between success and control in one's life. She suggests that when individuals face setbacks or failures, they often feel a lack of agency and are subject to external influences. Conversely, achieving success empowers individuals, allowing them to take charge of their circumstances and decisions. This perspective emphasizes the importance of self-determination in realizing one's goals and overcoming adversity.

Themes

SuccessControlAgencyEmpowermentFailure

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about personal growth.

More from Katharine Hepburn

I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.
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I don't believe in marriage. It's bloody impractical. 'To love, honor, and obey.' If it weren't, you wouldn't have to sign a contract.
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I'm an atheist, and that's it. I believe there's nothing we can know except that we should be kind to each other and do what we can for people.
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What acting means is that you've got to get out of your own skin.
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I've made forty-three pictures. Naturally I'm adorable in all of them.
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Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got not to forget to laugh.
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