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About this quote

What does it mean?
Life often reverses our intentions; we seek to control but end up controlled.
In plain terms
We try to enjoy and rule, but instead we get enjoyed and ruled.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that life often controls us, not the other way around.

Where it applies

  • work life
  • relationships
  • philosophical reflection

Putting it to work

  • accept limits
  • stay humble
  • observe patterns

Questions to consider

  • Where do you feel controlled in your life?
  • How do you reconcile desire with reality?

Another view

Sometimes taking control is necessary to prevent being used.

More from Swami Vivekananda

  1. We believe that every being is divine, is God. Every soul is a sun covered over with clouds of ignorance; the difference between soul and soul is owing to the …

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  2. We have to go back to philosophy to treat things as they are. We are suffering from our own karma. It is not the fault of God. What we do is our own fault, not…

    Permalink to quote #176
  3. We are ever free if we would only believe it, only have faith enough. You are the soul, free and eternal, ever free, ever blessed. Have faith enough and you wi…

    Permalink to quote #173

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