Eleanor Roosevelt: 'You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.'

You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.

In her iconic quote, Eleanor Roosevelt encapsulates a profound life lesson that resonates with individuals of all walks of life. She asserts that in the face of life's uncertainties, the key lies in embracing whatever comes our way and confronting it with unwavering courage and the best we have to offer. This quote serves as a reminder that although we may not have control over the circumstances that befall us, we do possess the power to choose our response. It speaks to the importance of resilience, adaptability, and virtuous action in the face of adversity.Acceptance is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Life unfolds unpredictably, presenting a myriad of situations, some joyous, and others laden with challenges. Accepting "whatever comes" means relinquishing our attachment to expectations and outcomes, allowing us to cultivate a sense of inner ease and peace. It is not a passive surrender, but rather an active decision to embrace reality, acknowledging that resistance only leads to suffering.Moreover, Roosevelt highlights that it is not the specific nature of what we encounter that carries significance, but rather the manner in which we engage with it. By meeting life's vicissitudes with courage, we tap into our reservoir of strength, demonstrating our ability to persevere and overcome obstacles. Courage should not be mistaken for absence of fear; rather, it is the triumph over fear. It is acknowledging our vulnerabilities and, in spite of them, moving forward with conviction and determination.Within the depths of adversity lies an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. When we approach challenges with our "best," we bring forth our highest qualities, virtues, and capabilities. It is a call to operate from a place of integrity and authenticity, bringing forth our unique gifts, talents, and values. Meeting life's challenges with our best means embodying kindness, empathy, patience, and love – qualities that have the potential to transform any situation for the better.Now, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept that further broadens our understanding of this insightful quote: existentialism. Rooted in the works of philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, existentialism examines the nature of existence and the choices we make in navigating our lives. Despite its complex nature, existentialism can shed light on the importance of Roosevelt's words.At its core, existentialism posits that existence precedes essence. This means that we are not born with a predetermined purpose or inherent meaning in life. Instead, we define our own existence through the choices we make and the actions we take. In light of this, Roosevelt's emphasis on embracing life's uncertainties aligns with existentialist thought, as it recognizes that the unpredictable nature of existence requires us to choose courageously and act authentically.Existentialism also highlights the concept of "bad faith," which refers to individuals living in a state of self-deception, avoiding personal responsibility or failing to confront the choices available to them. Roosevelt's quote encourages us to break free from such bad faith by insisting that we face whatever comes our way head-on, armed with courage and our best selves. Through this lens, choosing acceptance and courage becomes an act of existential liberation – an assertion of our freedom to define our existence instead of succumbing to victimhood or complacency.In contrast to existentialism, which emphasizes personal responsibility and creating meaning, Roosevelt's quote encompasses a broader perspective that accounts for the interconnectedness of humanity. It reminds us that while we must confront life's challenges individually, we are also part of a larger societal fabric. The notion of meeting life's circumstances with our best carries implications beyond personal growth; it extends to our interactions with others and the impact we have on the world.Eleanor Roosevelt's quote encapsulates a powerful philosophy for navigating life's uncertainties. It emphasizes the importance of acceptance, courage, and bringing forth our best selves in every situation. By viewing life as an opportunity for growth, guided by existential principles, we can forge a path of authenticity and purpose. So, let us embrace the unpredictable, meet it with unwavering courage, and offer the best of ourselves to make a positive impact on our own lives and the lives of others.