“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.”
This powerful statement resonates with ambition and self-determination. It serves as a rallying cry for entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone striving to overcome obstacles. Many attribute this wisdom to the brilliant mind of Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. Indeed, he penned these words. However, the original context of this quote is far more complex and challenging than its modern, inspirational use suggests. The line comes from a controversial play, spoken by a character defending a morally ambiguous life.
Understanding its origin reveals deeper layers of meaning. It forces us to question the simple interpretation of self-reliance. Consequently, we can explore the fine line between creating opportunities and justifying questionable actions. Let’s delve into the fascinating history behind this iconic quote.
The Surprising Source: Mrs. Warren’s Profession
The famous words first appeared in George Bernard Shaw’s play, Mrs. Source Warren’s Profession. Shaw wrote the play in 1893, but authorities immediately banned its public performance in London due to its frank discussion of prostitution. The play directly confronts the harsh economic realities that pushed women into sex work in Victorian England. It challenges societal hypocrisy and explores themes of class, morality, and female independence.
The character who speaks the line is the titular Mrs. Warren. She is a clever, unapologetic, and successful woman. She also happens to be a former prostitute who now manages a chain of high-class brothels across Europe. This context is crucial. The quote is not a simple piece of advice from a philosopher. Instead, it is a fierce justification from a woman who clawed her way out of desperate poverty by any means necessary.
A Defense of a Difficult Life
Throughout the play, Mrs. Warren’s daughter, Vivie, confronts her about the source of her wealth. Vivie, educated at Cambridge and thoroughly modern, cannot accept her mother’s profession. In a pivotal scene, Mrs. Warren delivers this powerful speech. She explains that her only other choice was a life of grueling, low-paid factory work that would have led to an early death. For her, making her own circumstances meant choosing a life society condemned over one that would have destroyed her. Therefore, the quote is her ultimate defense. She refuses to be a victim of the circumstances she was born into. She actively sought a different path, and when one did not exist, she created one—albeit a controversial one.
The Duality of Meaning: Empowerment vs. Excuse
This quote lives a double life. On one hand, it is a profound message about personal agency and proactivity. It inspires people to stop making excuses and take control of their destinies. This interpretation champions the idea that we are the architects of our own lives. It suggests that external factors do not have to define our potential. We can actively seek or create the conditions necessary for our success. This view fuels much of modern self-help and entrepreneurial culture.
On the other hand, the original context presents a darker interpretation. Is Mrs. Warren a hero of self-reliance, or is she using a powerful philosophy to excuse a life built on the exploitation of others? Shaw masterfully leaves this question open. He doesn’t necessarily endorse Mrs. Warren’s choices. Instead, he uses her story to critique a society that offers so few viable options for women in poverty. The quote, in this light, becomes a commentary on the moral compromises people make when trapped by systemic inequality. It asks a difficult question: if you have to do bad things to survive or succeed, does your initiative make it right?
Why the Quote Endures Today
The quote’s enduring popularity lies in its universal appeal for empowerment. It speaks to a fundamental human desire to have control over our lives. In an era that celebrates disruptors and innovators, Shaw’s words feel more relevant than ever. They encourage a mindset of relentless problem-solving and resilience. Moreover, the message is simple, direct, and unforgettable.
However, ignoring its origin means missing half the story. The full context reminds us that the path to success is rarely simple or clean. It pushes us to consider the ethical dimensions of our ambitions. While we should absolutely strive to create the circumstances we desire, the story of Mrs. Warren encourages us to think about the impact of our creations. Ultimately, Shaw’s brilliant line is not just a call to action. It is also a profound prompt for moral reflection.