"You don't always get what you ask for, but you never get what you don't ask for... unless it's contagious!"
About this Quote
The quote by Beverly Sills, an acclaimed American operatic soprano, touches upon a few nuanced observations about human experience, especially associated to desire, action, and unexpected consequences.
The very first part of the quote, "You do not constantly get what you request", acknowledges the often unforeseeable nature of life. Our desires and demands might not constantly be satisfied. This can be due to external situations beyond our control, absence of necessary resources, or merely since the timing isn't right. It highlights the value of resilience and managing expectations, encouraging people to accept unpredictability and understand that not everything will go as planned, even with effort and intention.
The 2nd part, "however you never get what you do not request for", stresses the significance of taking effort and promoting for oneself. This suggests a proactive position in life, where voicing one's needs and desires is crucial to accomplishing objectives or acquiring what one desires. This idea is rooted in the belief that communication and assertiveness are crucial parts to success. It recommends that without making one's desires understood, they are not likely to come to fulfillment. This part of the quote underscores the power of company and self-advocacy in forming one's path.
The last part of the quote, "unless it's infectious!" presents a humorous, yet informative twist. It advises us of the unintended and frequently unwelcome aspects of life that come unbidden. In this context, "contagious" can be taken literally, describing health problems that spread without invites, or metaphorically, representing those unexpected incidents that can "catch" us off guard. This brings a balance to the earlier points by acknowledging that not everything in life is within our control, and in some cases, we get things we never ever requested, for better or worse.
In General, Beverly Sills' quote integrates useful knowledge with a touch of humor, encouraging a balance in between proactive engagement with the world and acceptance of life's unpredictability.
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