Irving Berlin: 'Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.'

Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.

In his famous quote, Irving Berlin captures the essence of personal responsibility and attitude in our journey through life. "Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it." At first glance, the quote suggests that only a fraction of our experiences is determined by our actions, while the majority depends on how we perceive and react to them. This perspective emphasizes the significance of our attitude and mindset in shaping our overall well-being and happiness.Taking a closer look, however, this quote can also serve as a gateway to exploring a deeper philosophical concept: the interplay between determinism and free will. Determinism is the belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately caused by external forces acting upon us. On the other hand, free will suggests that we have the capacity to make choices independent of external influences.Berlin's quote seems to lean towards the perspective of determinism, highlighting the limited impact our actions have on the outcome of our lives. It suggests that no matter how much effort we put into making things happen, the vast majority of our experiences are out of our direct control. This could be interpreted as a slightly pessimistic view, implying that we are at the mercy of circumstances beyond our influence.However, the quote's true beauty lies in its ability to spark reflection and encourage us to challenge such deterministic thinking. It invites us to consider the significance of our reactions and attitudes towards life's unpredictable events. This interpretation aligns more with the idea of free will, suggesting that our responses and interpretations have the power to shape our experiences and overall satisfaction with life, despite the external constraints we may face.By acknowledging both the determinist and free will perspectives, we can appreciate the complexity of the human experience. While the circumstances we encounter are often beyond our control, we are not rendered powerless. Our ability to choose how we respond to these circumstances constitutes a form of agency that can profoundly influence our overall well-being.Moreover, Berlin's quote reminds us to focus on what is within our control rather than fixating solely on external factors. Instead of becoming consumed by the things we cannot change, we can redirect our energy towards cultivating a positive mindset and developing resilience, which in turn can enable us to face challenges with grace and determination.Embracing the philosophy embodied by this quote allows us to transcend the limitations of external circumstances and take control of our emotional well-being. It empowers us to see the silver lining in difficult situations and find opportunities for growth and self-improvement.In conclusion, Irving Berlin's quote, "Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it," offers a simple yet profound reminder of the importance of attitude and perception in our lives. While it acknowledges the existence of external influences beyond our control, it also invites us to take responsibility for how we choose to react to life's circumstances. Ultimately, this quote serves as a catalyst for exploring the delicate balance between determinism and free will, encouraging us to find empowerment in our ability to shape our experiences through our perspective and approach to life.