“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you are not, I hope you have the strength to start over.”
This powerful passage, often shortened to its final two lines, resonates deeply with people seeking change and purpose. While widely credited to F. Scott Fitzgerald, these words carry a surprising history. They offer a profound meditation on life, choice, and the courage required to reinvent oneself. The message is timeless. It grants us permission to reassess our path at any stage. Furthermore, it reminds us that dissatisfaction is not a final destination but a signal to change course.
The Aspiration: Living a Life You’re Proud Of
What does it mean to live a life you are proud of? The answer is deeply personal. It is not about accumulating wealth or achieving fame. Instead, it centers on authenticity. A proud life aligns your daily actions with your core values. It involves making choices, both big and small, that reflect who you truly are. Consequently, this pursuit requires constant self-reflection. You must honestly ask yourself if your career, relationships, and habits build a person you respect.
Living with pride means acting with integrity. It means treating others with kindness and standing up for your beliefs. Moreover, it involves embracing your imperfections and learning from your mistakes. This is not a passive state of being. You must actively build this life every single day. The process involves setting meaningful goals and pursuing passions that bring you joy, not just external validation. It is about creating a personal legacy that feels true to you.
The Challenge: Finding the Strength to Start Over
Recognizing that you are not proud of your life is a painful realization. However, the quote’s true power lies in its second part: the hope for the strength to start over. This is arguably the most challenging part of the message. Starting over feels daunting. It can mean leaving a comfortable job, ending a long-term relationship, or moving to a new city. The fear of the unknown often paralyzes us. Society frequently views starting over as a form of failure, but this perspective is flawed.
In reality, starting over is an act of immense courage. It is a testament to your belief in a better future. Importantly, a new beginning does not always require a dramatic upheaval. It can be a series of small, intentional shifts. For example, you could start a new hobby, enroll in a class, or set new boundaries in your relationships. Each small step builds momentum. This process cultivates resilience and proves that you have agency over your own story. You are the author of your life, and you can always start a new chapter.
The True Origin of the Quote
Many people attribute this quote directly to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels, like The Great Gatsby. However, this is a common misconception. The words do not appear in any of his published books or short stories. Instead, the passage was written by screenwriter Eric Roth for the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which was adapted from a Fitzgerald short story. This context does not diminish the quote’s power. It simply places it in a modern framework, continuing Fitzgerald’s themes for a new generation. Source
Applying the Philosophy in a Modern World
Today’s fast-paced world puts immense pressure on us to follow a linear path. We are often expected to pick a career and stick with it. Yet, this is not how personal growth works. People evolve, and their priorities change. A recent poll revealed that a significant number of workers are unhappy with their jobs and are considering a change. This data shows that the desire to