I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.
Katharine HepburnRead
When I’ve been unsuccessful, I’ve been controlled. When I’ve been successful, I’ve been in control.
Interpretation
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.
In practice
During a motivational speech about personal growth.
I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.
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.
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.
What acting means is that you've got to get out of your own skin.
I've made forty-three pictures. Naturally I'm adorable in all of them.
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.
One of the first things successful people realize is the old adage, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” That is, for you, the fact that your success and your course is up to you. This doesn’t mean that you do it all alone. It simply means that you take responsibility for your life and your career.
Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.
I get a lot of letters from people saying, 'How do I get into radio, how do I get into telly?' and I wish there was an answer, because there's no ladder. There are no parameters. You've just got to go in wherever you can, make the tea, and slowly make your way up the ladder.
I've seen enough successful writers who no longer seem to care when they are recognized with an award, and I think that's just tragic.
Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to [grow and] become successful. For that reason it makes sense to be grateful for adversities that help you grow, even if it is only in understanding and compassion for other's suffering.
Such is the prestige of the Nobel Award and of this place where I stand that I am impelled, not to speak like a grateful and apologetic mouse, but to roar like a lion out of pride in my profession and in the great and good men who have practised it through the ages.
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