“Opportunity is the great bawd” is a quote that employs a metaphor to illustrate the role of opportunity in our lives. The term “bawd” is an old-fashioned term for a madam of a brothel, someone who facilitates or manages illicit activities. Here, Benjamin Franklin uses this term to personify opportunity as a figure who enables or facilitates various activities or ventures, not necessarily illicit.
The quote suggests that opportunity, much like a bawd, opens doors and creates possibilities. However, it’s up to the individual to seize these opportunities and use them wisely. Just as a bawd doesn’t determine the actions of those in her establishment, opportunity doesn’t control what we do with the chances we get. It merely presents them to us.
In today’s world, the quote is still relevant. Opportunities abound in different forms – education, jobs, investments, relationships, and more. These opportunities can be seen as the ‘great bawd’ that provides us with numerous possibilities. However, the outcome of these opportunities depends on how we handle them. For example, getting a job opportunity at a prestigious company is great, but the success in that role depends on the individual’s dedication, hard work, and skills.
In terms of personal development, this quote can be a reminder that growth and progress often come from seizing opportunities. Personal development is not a passive process; it requires active participation and decision-making. Opportunities can lead to new skills, knowledge, experiences, and personal growth, but only if we choose to take advantage of them. It’s not the opportunities themselves that lead to success, but how we utilize them.
Therefore, while opportunity plays the role of the ‘great bawd’ in presenting possibilities, the ultimate responsibility for personal or professional development lies within the individual.
