“Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.”
― Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea
This quote is from Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Old Man and the Sea,” published in 1952. The story is about an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago who struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.
In the novel, Santiago has gone 84 days without catching a fish, but he remains optimistic and persistent. The quote reflects his mindset and approach to life and work. He acknowledges that luck plays a role in success, but he emphasizes the importance of being precise, skilled, and prepared to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.
The phrase “Every day is a new day” suggests that Santiago does not dwell on his past failures or successes. Instead, he focuses on the present and maintains a positive outlook, treating each day as a fresh start with new possibilities.
Santiago recognizes the role of luck in his profession, stating, “It is better to be lucky.” However, he quickly follows this up with, “But I would rather be exact.” This statement underscores his belief in the value of skill, knowledge, and preparation. He understands that relying solely on luck is not a sustainable or reliable approach to success.
The final part of the quote, “Then when luck comes you are ready,” ties together the ideas of luck and preparedness. Santiago believes that by honing his skills and maintaining his readiness, he will be better positioned to seize opportunities when they present themselves, even if they come about by chance.
Hemingway’s quote encapsulates a powerful life lesson about the interplay between luck, skill, and readiness. It suggests that while we cannot control the occurrence of lucky breaks, we can control our own preparedness to make the most of them when they happen.
This mindset can be applied to various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. By continually working on self-improvement, acquiring knowledge, and developing skills, individuals can increase their chances of success and be ready to take advantage of opportunities that come their way.
The quote also highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance. Like Santiago, who continues to fish despite his extended streak of bad luck, individuals must learn to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
Ultimately, Hemingway’s words serve as a reminder that success is a combination of factors, including luck, skill, and preparedness. By focusing on what we can control—our own actions, attitudes, and readiness—we can position ourselves to make the most of the opportunities life presents.
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