Fate shuffles the cards, and we play.

What it means

We do not choose our hand, only how we play it. Schopenhauer compares life to a game where both chance and skill decide. Play well with what you are dealt.

The source

"Fate shuffles the cards, and we play." Schopenhauer said it in Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life, ch. 5. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

"das Schicksal mischt die Karten und wir spielen"

Original German, Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life, ch. 5. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Schopenhauer (1788–1860). German philosopher of the will and the great pessimist, who still wrote a practical guide to living as well as one can.

Questions

What does "Fate shuffles the cards, and we play." mean?

We do not choose our hand, only how we play it. Schopenhauer compares life to a game where both chance and skill decide. Play well with what you are dealt.

Who said "Fate shuffles the cards, and we play."?

Schopenhauer (1788–1860). Source: Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life, ch. 5.

What is the original German?

das Schicksal mischt die Karten und wir spielen. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Fate shuffles the cards, and we play." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Fate shuffles the cards, and we play." (Schopenhauer, Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life, ch. 5, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/fate-shuffles-the-cards-and-we-play