“No wind is favorable to the sailor who does not know to which port he is sailing.”Michel de Montaigne · Eseuri · 1580 · II, 1
A favorable circumstance is not an opportunity if you lack a purpose to direct it.
Montaigne argues that inner direction matters more than external luck. A sailor who doesn't know where he's going cannot use any wind, however favorable. Similarly, a person without a clear goal misses opportunities because they don't recognize them. For example, someone who takes any good job without a career plan will end up disoriented.
Setting a goal means filtering reality. When you know what you are looking for, you see opportunities you would otherwise ignore. For example, if you want a career in design, you will notice online courses or networking events you previously overlooked. Without this filter, your mind wanders and misses valuable chances. How can you tell if your goal is clear enough to guide you?
Why it matters Today, with so many options, defining your priorities saves time and energy. It reminds us to choose consciously, not reactively.