He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote encapsulates a profound insight into the nature of relying solely on chance or external circumstances for one's sustenance or success. At its core, it warns against the passive acceptance of fate or the expectation that fortune will provide for one's needs without proactive effort.
The imagery of "waiting upon fortune" conjures the image of a person sitting idly by, expecting good fortune to come to them without any personal initiative or endeavor. It suggests a sense of dependency on unpredictable external forces, rather than taking control of one's own destiny. In this context, "fortune" represents the unpredictable and often capricious nature of luck or external circumstances.
The phrase "never sure of a dinner" vividly illustrates the uncertainty and precariousness of relying solely on fortune. In a literal sense, it speaks to the uncertainty of having even the most basic needs met, such as a meal. By extension, it symbolizes the broader uncertainty and instability that can result from entrusting one's fate to chance.
In essence, the quote underscores the importance of agency, initiative, and proactive effort in shaping one's destiny. It suggests that those who passively wait for fortune to provide for them may find themselves perpetually uncertain and vulnerable. Instead, it advocates for a mindset of resilience, resourcefulness, and self-reliance, wherein individuals actively strive to create their own opportunities and secure their own sustenance.
Moreover, the quote implies that true security and fulfillment come not from relying on external forces beyond our control, but from cultivating our own skills, talents, and abilities. By taking charge of our destinies and actively pursuing our goals, we empower ourselves to overcome obstacles, adapt to challenges, and ultimately forge our own path to success and fulfillment.
In a broader societal context, the quote serves as a cautionary reminder against complacency and entitlement, highlighting the dangers of depending on luck or external assistance rather than personal effort and determination. It encourages individuals to take ownership of their lives and destinies, recognizing that true prosperity and fulfillment are earned through hard work, perseverance, and self-reliance.
Overall, this quote urges us to be proactive architects of our own destinies rather than passive bystanders, reminding us that waiting upon fortune alone is a precarious and unreliable path to sustenance and success.
Who said the quote?
The quote "He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner." is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Bio / Quotes). Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, writer, and inventor who played a key role in the founding of the United States.
What are Benjamin Franklin's Best Quotes?
Watch on Elevate's YouTube channel and be sure to subscribe for more wisdom and insights from the world's top minds.
Subscribe on YouTube to get the latest quote videos delivered straight to you:
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner" suggests that relying solely on luck or chance for one's success can lead to uncertainty and insecurity. A historical example that illustrates this concept is the story of the French aristocracy during the French Revolution.
In the late 18th century, many members of the French aristocracy lived a life of luxury and opulence, confident in their privileged status and the stability it seemed to guarantee. They depended on the continued favor of the monarchy and the traditional structures of power to maintain their wealth and social standing. This reliance on an unchanging status quo was akin to "waiting upon fortune."
However, the revolutionary tides of 1789 brought a dramatic upheaval. The French Revolution dismantled the old feudal system and replaced it with new revolutionary ideals. The aristocrats who had once enjoyed sumptuous banquets and secure positions found themselves in dire straits. Many were imprisoned or executed, their fortunes and former lives vanished in the chaos of the revolution. The uncertainty of their fate became painfully clear, and their once-secure dinners became far from guaranteed.
This example vividly illustrates the quote: those who relied solely on their luck or the stability of their social position without preparing for change found themselves in a precarious situation. Their dependence on fortune rather than taking proactive steps to secure their futures led to their downfall.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote "He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner" can be applied to various real-life scenarios, particularly when considering personal financial stability and career planning.
Imagine a young professional who graduates from college with a degree in a highly specialized field, such as art history. They have a strong passion for their subject and hope to land a high-paying job in their field. Instead of actively pursuing job opportunities, gaining experience through internships, or expanding their skill set, they decide to wait and rely on the hope that a perfect job will come their way due to their degree alone.
Months pass, and while they might receive some job offers, none align with their career aspirations or offer the financial stability they had hoped for. They find themselves in a difficult position, struggling to make ends meet. Their initial reliance on the expectation that fortune would deliver a well-paying job without further effort left them unprepared for the reality of job market competition.
In contrast, had they taken a proactive approach by networking, seeking out various opportunities, and enhancing their qualifications, they would have improved their chances of finding a fulfilling and stable job. The quote underscores the importance of not merely waiting for luck to provide opportunities but actively working towards creating and securing them.
This approach can be applied to various aspects of life, from financial planning to career development. By taking proactive steps and preparing for potential challenges, one can reduce uncertainty and increase their chances of achieving their goals. Waiting passively for fortune to decide one's fate often results in missed opportunities and insecurity, as opposed to actively shaping one's own path with deliberate actions and preparedness.
Applying the quote to your life
Unlock Franklin's wisdom and apply it to your life by getting the in-depth Benjamin Franklin Workbook & Study Guide, complete with top quotes, insightful commentary, reflective questions, and practical uses for everyday life. 👇
To apply more wisdom, get the All-Access Pass, which includes hundreds of study guides from the world's top minds. These include deep insights from individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein, as well as some of the top authors and personal development books.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
