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When some incident has shattered the career you’ve mapped…

“When some incident has shattered the career you’ve mapped out for yourself, a folly, a crime or a misfortune, you mustn’t think you’re down and out. It may be a stroke of luck, and when you look back years later you may say to yourself that you wouldn’t for anything in the world exchange the new…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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“When some incident has shattered the career you’ve mapped out for yourself, a folly, a crime or a misfortune, you mustn’t think you’re down and out. It may be a stroke of luck, and when you look back years later you may say to yourself that you wouldn’t for anything in the world exchange the new life disaster has forced upon you for the dull, humdrum existence you would have led if circumstances hadn’t intervened.”

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Adversity can redirect life toward unexpected, richer experiences, making the original plan seem dull.

In simple terms: Hardship can lead to a better life.

Key Takeaway

Embrace unexpected change.

Themes

adversity growth resilience

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career setback
  • personal crisis
  • health scare
  • relationship loss
  • financial ruin

Key Concepts

existentialism serendipity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unexpected benefit have you found in a setback?
  • How can you cultivate openness to change?
A Different Perspective

Not all misfortunes lead to positive outcomes; some cause lasting trauma.

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