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About this quote

What does it mean?
Since we cannot control outside events, we should control our own reactions.
In plain terms
You cannot change the world, but you can change yourself.
What can you take from it?
Focus on managing yourself rather than events.

Where it applies

  • stress
  • conflict

Putting it to work

  • focus on self
  • accept external limits

Questions to consider

  • What can you control?
  • How do you react?

Another view

Sometimes collective action is needed to change events.

More from Michel de Montaigne

  1. Nothing prints more lively in our minds than something we wish to forget.

    Permalink to quote #107
  2. No wind serves him who addresses his voyage to no certain port.

    Permalink to quote #104
  3. No man is exempt from saying silly things; the mischief is to say them deliberately.

    Permalink to quote #103

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