Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
This advises against presuming to dictate divine will or natural outcomes.
In plain terms
Don’t try to control what happens.
What can you take from it?
Accept outcomes rather than trying to command them.

Where it applies

  • facing uncertainty
  • religious reflection
  • personal setbacks

Putting it to work

  • practice humility
  • release control
  • manage expectations

Questions to consider

  • Where do you draw the line?
  • When is intervention right?

Another view

It may discourage legitimate efforts to improve circumstances.

More from Enrico Fermi

  1. There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you'v…

    Permalink to quote #7

  2. Before I came here I was confused about this subject. Having listened to your lecture I am still confused. But on a higher level.

    Permalink to quote #9

  3. Never be first; try to be second.

    Permalink to quote #10

Related quotes

  1. Life is God's novel. Let him write it.

    Isaac Bashevis SingerIsaac Bashevis Singer quote #2

  2. Immortality alone could teach this mortal how to die.

    Dinah Maria MulockDinah Maria Mulock quote #5

  3. Yet fill my glass: give me one kiss: My own sweet Alice, we must die. There's somewhat in this world amiss Shall be unriddled by and by. There's somewhat flows…

    Alfred (Lord) TennysonAlfred (Lord) Tennyson quote #5