William Butler Yeats: 'Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.'

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.

The quote by William Butler Yeats, "Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking," is a powerful and profound statement about seizing opportunities and taking initiative. In a straightforward sense, the quote’s meaning can be summarized as encouraging action and assertiveness rather than waiting for the perfect moment to take action. It emphasizes the importance of being proactive and creating opportunities for oneself, rather than relying on external circumstances to align in one's favor.However, let us delve deeper into the philosophical concept that this quote evokes - the notion of existentialism. Existentialism, a school of thought prominent in the 20th century, focuses on individual existence, freedom, and the necessity to create meaning in a seemingly absurd world. In many ways, Yeats' quote aligns with the existentialist belief that individuals have the freedom and responsibility to shape their own lives.Existentialism suggests that life has no inherent meaning or purpose. It is up to each individual to find or create meaning in their own lives. Similarly, Yeats's quote can be seen as a call to action to not rely on external factors for one's success or fulfillment. Waiting for the iron to heat up on its own is akin to waiting for the stars to align before pursuing one's goals. In an existentialist perspective, this passivity undermines an individual's freedom and responsibility to create their own path.On the other hand, striking the iron to make it hot symbolizes the existentialist idea of taking action and creating one's own opportunities. It suggests that individuals should actively engage with the world, strive to overcome obstacles, and pursue their ambitions. By doing so, they imbue their actions with personal significance, shaping their existence and asserting their freedom.By connecting Yeats's quote with existentialism, a captivating parallel arises. Existentialism highlights the angst individuals feel in the face of life's uncertainties, whereas Yeats emphasizes the importance of action and self-determination. It is in this juxtaposition that we find a new layer of interpretation to the quote, one that sparks introspection and intrigue.One could argue that Yeats, intentionally or not, taps into the existentialist perspective by urging individuals to forge their own paths and not wait for favorable circumstances. This aligns with the existentialist practice of taking responsibility for one's own life and choices. Existentialism contends that existence precedes essence – we exist before we define who we are – and that we must actively create our essence through our actions and decisions.Moreover, when we examine the quote through the existentialist lens, we recognize the existential anxiety that arises when contemplating the weight of choice and responsibility. The fear of failure, disappointment, or making the wrong decision can immobilize individuals, leading to a life of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Yeats's quote reminds us that we must confront this anxiety head-on, embracing our freedom and taking agency over our lives.In conclusion, while William Butler Yeats's quote may seem straightforward at first glance, its underlying message becomes richer and more profound when viewed through the lens of existentialism. By urging individuals to strike while the iron is not yet hot, Yeats encourages us to embrace our freedom, take initiative, and create opportunities for ourselves. In doing so, we align ourselves with existentialist philosophy, embracing the responsibility to define the meaning and purpose of our own lives. So, let us heed Yeats's wisdom, ignite the fire within us, and forge our paths in this vast and uncertain world.