How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
Most people are basically a victim of the circumstances of their life. They have things like 9/11, they have terrorism threats, they have new war threats, they have economy problems, and they think, 'What can I do? I'm basically a victim.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that people often feel powerless, attributing their struggles to external circumstances.
In this quote, Stephen Covey highlights a common mindset where individuals perceive themselves as victims of their life's circumstances, such as societal events or economic challenges. This perspective can lead to feelings of helplessness, as people focus on external factors rather than recognizing their own agency in responding to these challenges. Covey implies that empowerment comes from understanding that although circumstances can be difficult, individuals still have the ability to choose their reactions and actions in life.
Themes
VictimCircumstancesEmpowermentLifeAgency
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
More from Stephen Covey
All quotes βIf you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
Stephen CoveyRead
Listen with your eyes for feelings.
Stephen CoveyRead
If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
Stephen CoveyRead
Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
Stephen CoveyRead
Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
Stephen CoveyRead
Similar quotes
The best way to make every one poor is to insist on equality of wealth.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
The higher culture an individual attains, the less field there is left for mockery and scorn.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
In a world where ideas and ideals flow freely, we want what everybody else in an advanced society seems to have: a say in our future.
Joshua WongRead
My choice is what I choose to do and if I'm causing no harm it shouldn't bother you. Your choice is who you choose to be and if you're causin' no harm, then your alright with me.
Ben HarperRead
The only standard we have for judging all of our social, economic, and political institutions and arrangements as just or unjust, as good or bad, as better or worse, derives from our conception of the good life for man on earth, and from our conviction that, given certain external conditions, it is possible for men to make good lives for themselves by their own efforts.
Mortimer AdlerRead
[W]here there is no law, there is no liberty; and nothing deserves the name of law but that which is certain and universal in its operation upon all the members of the community.
Benjamin RushRead