“There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so”

I’ve been thinking lately how many “good” things have a bad side, and many “bad” things have a good side. A crisis is an opportunity. A loss is a rebirth. A failure renews focus. Sadness motivates appreciation. And on the flip side, getting what you want can be a letdown or even a disappointment.

I think Shakespeare’s quote is mostly about attitude and perception, and that’s a big part of this equation.

There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.

William Shakespeare

See also: The Bright and Dark Sides of Optimism and Pessimism