And I told him, I said: One day you're going to miss the…
“And I told him, I said: One day you're going to miss the subway because it's not going to come. One of these days, it's going to break down and it's not going to come around and everyone else will just wait for the next one or will take the bus, or walk, or run to the next station: they will go on with their lives. And you're not going to be able to go on with your life! You'll be standing there, in the subway station, staring at the tube. Why? Because you think that everything has to happen perfectly and on time and when you think it's going to happen! Well guess what! That's not how things happen! And you'll be the only one who's not going to be able to go on with life, just because your subway broke down. So you know what, you've got to let go, you've got to know that things don't happen the way you think they're going to happen, but that's okay, because there's always the bus, there's always the next station...you can always take a cab.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker warns that clinging to perfectionism leads to paralysis when inevitable disruptions occur; flexibility and acceptance prevent being stuck.
In simple terms: Perfectionism traps you; accept imperfection and adapt.
Key Takeaway
Embrace flexibility and seek alternatives.
Themes
perfectionism
adaptability
resilience
Mood
anxious
reflective
hopeful
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- commuting
- career setbacks
- personal crises
- travel delays
- project failures
Key Concepts
control
expectations
uncertainty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you react when plans fail?
- What alternatives can you prepare?
A Different Perspective
If you accept imperfection, you may miss opportunities for improvement.