Obviously I faced the possibility of not returning when first I considered going. Once faced and settled there really wasn't any good reason to refer to it.
Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off. But if you don't have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success can be aided by existing opportunities, but it is also vital to create your own path when necessary.
Amelia Earhart's quote emphasizes the importance of making the most of the opportunities that are presented to us. However, it also highlights that when such opportunities are not available, it is our personal duty to forge our own paths and create opportunities for ourselves, as well as for others who may come after us. This reflects a proactive approach to life and success, encouraging individuals to take initiative and responsibility in their own journeys.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech, to encourage students to seek opportunities and create their own paths.
More from Amelia Earhart
All quotes →Experiment! Meet new people. That’s better than any college education . . . By adventuring; about, you become accustomed to the unexpected. The unexpected then becomes what it really is . . . the inevitable.
As soon as we left the ground, I knew I had to fly.
Courage is the price that Life exacts for granting peace, The soul that knows it not, knows no release, From little things; Knows not the livid loneliness of fear Nor mountain heights where bitter joy can hear The sound of wings.
Never do things others can do and will do if there are things others cannot do or will not do.
Decide...whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is, stop worrying.
Similar quotes
The unique thing about bodybuilding is that when I compete it is just me on a stage alone. There is no field, no bat, no ball, no skis, no skates. All other athletes have to use equipment, like a football. But I don't use anything in competition except myself. It's just me up there. Me alone. No coach. No nothing.
Pessimism never won any battle.
Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.
Bruce Lee was an artist and, like him, I try to go beyond the fundamentals of my sport. I want the public to see a knockout in the making.
There is far more opportunity than there is ability.
There are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.