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About this quote

What does it mean?
Accept reality as it is rather than as you wish it to be.
In plain terms
Deal with facts, not your idealized version of events.
What can you take from it?
Pragmatism requires facing things as they are.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • conflict resolution
  • personal planning

Putting it to work

  • assess situations objectively
  • adjust expectations to reality

Questions to consider

  • Are you fighting reality or accepting it?
  • When does denial become harmful?

Another view

Sometimes wishing for change drives necessary progress.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. We must not take up arms for vain prospects of grandeur, nor the allurements of conquest.

    Permalink to quote #199
  2. We walk faster when we walk alone.

    Permalink to quote #201
  3. We must not obstinately contend against circumstances, but rather let us obey them. We have many projects in life but little determination.

    Permalink to quote #198

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