“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. Source 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 on agency and ambition is frequently attributed to George Bernard Shaw. Indeed, it captures the essence of his sharp wit and philosophical leanings. However, many people misplace its origin or oversimplify its profound message. The quote is more than just a motivational platitude. It serves as a cornerstone of a philosophy that champions proactive creation over passive acceptance. This exploration will uncover its true source, dissect its meaning, and reveal why it continues to resonate so deeply today.
Uncovering the True Origin
Many assume the famous words come from one of Shaw’s major works like Pygmalion or perhaps a personal essay. The actual source, however, is his 1893 play, Mrs. Warren’s Profession. Specifically, the character Vivie Warren delivers this line in Act II. Vivie is a modern, educated, and fiercely independent woman. She utters the line while rejecting the deterministic excuses of her mother’s world.
Understanding this context is crucial. Vivie is not a mouthpiece for naive optimism. Instead, she represents a new generation refusing to be defined by the societal or economic station she was born into. The quote is a declaration of her personal manifesto. Shaw places these words in the mouth of a character who embodies self-reliance. Therefore, the quote gains power from its dramatic context, highlighting a clash between old excuses and new ambitions.
The Philosophy of Making Your Own Way
Shaw’s quote presents a three-part argument against helplessness. First, he identifies a common human flaw: “People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are.” This observation points to our tendency to deflect responsibility. We often cite our environment, upbringing, or lack of opportunity as reasons for our failures. Shaw immediately dismisses this mindset as a crutch.
Next, he makes the provocative claim, “I don’t believe in circumstances.” This is not a denial of reality. Shaw certainly understood that poverty, illness, and injustice exist. Rather, he rejects the power we give circumstances to define our identity and potential. He argues against letting external factors become the sole determinant of our life’s path. It is a call to shift one’s internal locus of control.
Finally, he provides the solution. The successful people “get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.” This is the active, creative core of the message. It promotes a two-step process: first, seek opportunity. If none exists, then you must create it. This transforms a person from a passive victim of fate into an active architect of their own destiny. It is a powerful endorsement of ingenuity and relentless effort.
Shaw’s Broader Vision
This idea connects directly to Shaw’s broader philosophical interests, Source including his concept of the “Life Force.” Shaw, a prominent Fabian Socialist, believed in humanity’s potential to evolve toward a higher state. He saw the Life Force as an evolutionary spirit that drives individuals to improve themselves and, by extension, society. . The quote about circumstances perfectly illustrates this principle in action. An individual who creates their own circumstances is fulfilling this evolutionary drive.
Consequently, the quote is not just about individualistic success. It also carries a social dimension. By refusing to be limited by existing conditions, people can innovate and drive societal progress. Shaw championed the idea that we are not merely products of our world; we are the producers of it. This perspective challenges determinism and empowers individuals with immense responsibility.
Enduring Relevance in the Modern World
Decades after Shaw’s death, this quote continues to inspire. Its message is a cornerstone of modern entrepreneurship, personal development, and coaching. It speaks to anyone facing adversity, from a startup founder in a difficult market to a student from a disadvantaged background. The call to “make” circumstances resonates in an era that values innovation and proactive problem-solving. Indeed, research often highlights the importance of an internal locus of control for success.
Ultimately, George Bernard Shaw’s famous line is far more than a simple motivational slogan. It is a compact philosophical treatise born from a specific dramatic context. The quote challenges us to reject victimhood, take ownership of our lives, and become active creators of our future. It reminds us that while we may not always choose the hand we are dealt, we always choose how we play it.