‘Just Sayin’ #1 by George Knight
‘It Is What It Is’
Dear Friends,
Imagine, you are stuck in traffic, late for a meeting, and your phone battery’s on its last percent. You mutter, “It is what it is,” and feel a strange calm wash over you.
“It is what it is” means accepting reality as it stands, without resistance or wishful thinking. It’s about acknowledging facts—good, bad, or indifferent—and moving forward.
Though it feels like a 21st-century catchphrase, its roots trace back to ancient Stoicism. Philosophers like Epictetus (c.135 AD) and Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) urged focusing on what’s within our control and letting go of what isn’t.
The phrase itself surged in the 2000s, popping up in pop culture (think reality TV and hip-hop lyrics) and gained traction during crises like the 2008 recession.
Today it is a staple on Social Media, where users post it alongside memes about job stress or political chaos. Its simplicity is its strength: no fluff, just raw acceptance.
Historically, it echoes proverbs like “What will be, will be” (from 16th-century English) and aligns with Eastern philosophies like Buddhism’s detachment from outcomes. Yet, its modern usage often lacks the Stoic nuance, becoming a shorthand for resignation.
In the early 1900’s, people leaned on proverbs like “Every cloud has a silver lining” for hope; today, “It is what it is” reflects a grittier, more pragmatic outlook, better suited to a world of rapid change and uncertainty.
Today we hear and see the phrase everywhere. For example self-help gurus and therapists champion it as a mindfulness tool, echoing Stoic wisdom: focus on your response, not the chaos. It is a practical, grounding, and oddly comforting particularly in an era where control feels elusive.
Indeed the phrase shines in small-scale frustrations. When your coffee order is wrong or a friend cancels plans, saying “It is what it is” diffuses stress, letting you move on.
In workplaces, it’s a diplomatic way to pivot from unsolvable problems, like budget cuts or tech glitches, to actionable steps.
Yet, its versatility is double-edged: The phrase can feel like a verbal shrug, especially in weighty contexts. Indeed some political and institutional leaders have been known to say “It is what it is” to mask complacency.
This said, “It is what it is” remains a powerful tool for resilience that aligns well with Stoicism’s call for us to accept reality and focus on what’s in our control.
Yes while at times it can be over-used and at other times risk being a cop-out, it has real value in helping us all cope with uncontrollable personal setbacks. Its practical wisdom / life advice could perhaps be neatly summarised as being…
ACCEPT THE REALITY, THEN SHAPE WHAT’S NEXT.
Until next Thursday,
God bless,
George K.
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