Quote of the Day by Jean-Paul Satre: ‘To desire to be a human is to desire to create’

SEVENTEEN’s Vernon has long spoken about individuality and staying true to himself. As he prepares to begin military service, his words about embracing your own identity take on renewed significance.Quote of the Day: SEVENTEEN's Vernon on embracing your own colours and staying true to yourself.“No matter what, I think it is important to show the world your own colours and just do you. Because if you are not being yourself, then who will?”– SEVENTEEN VernonFor SEVENTEEN's Vernon, the idea of individuality has been a recurring part of his journey as an artist, making the quote particularly relevant as he prepares to step away from the group for military service.The relevance and meaning of the quoteVernon, whose real name is Hansol Vernon Chwe, debuted with SEVENTEEN in 2015 as part of the group's Hip-Hop Team. Over the years, he has developed a distinct identity within the 13-member group, contributing not only as a rapper and performer but also as a songwriter. SEVENTEEN's official profile describes the group as a self-producing act, with its three sub-units actively involved in album production.That emphasis on individual identity has also been evident in Vernon's own comments over the years. In a Weverse Magazine interview, he spoke about wanting to remain authentic rather than trying to fit a particular image, saying that he was "just trying not to be someone I’m not."The sentiment also fits his creative development. Since SEVENTEEN's debut, Vernon has accumulated extensive songwriting credits and has worked on music outside the group, including collaborations with artists such as Charli XCX. He also released his solo track Black Eye in 2022, giving audiences another view of his artistic sensibilities beyond the group's music.Vernon has previously spoken directly about individuality. In an interview with Nylon, he said: "Everyone is unique in their own way. I know how cliché that sounds but I truly believe it. Everyone should really strive to be themselves."That philosophy has become part of how Vernon is perceived within SEVENTEEN – an artist who does not appear interested in fitting neatly into one mould, whether through his musical interests, songwriting or personal approach to fame.The quote therefore arrives at a significant point in his career. On July 27, PLEDIS Entertainment announced that Vernon would begin his military service on August 20. The agency said he would participate in official activities before his service begins and asked fans not to visit the enlistment site or the location of his alternative service.Once Vernon begins his service, he will be unable to participate in SEVENTEEN's activities. PLEDIS has said that he and fellow member DK, who is scheduled to enlist in September, will continue to connect with CARAT through content prepared in advance.As Vernon approaches this temporary departure from the group, his message about showing the world your own colours serves as more than a simple motivational thought. It reflects an attitude he has repeatedly expressed throughout his career — one centred on authenticity, individuality and the freedom to remain himself within one of K-pop's biggest groups.About the AuthorTrisha BhattacharyaTrisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. Tr

Live UpdatesUS-Iran war LIVE: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (local time) said that Washington is going to apply measures that have never been seen on Iran. Tune in to Live Mint to catch all the latest US-Iran war-related updates.US-Iran war LIVE: US Treasury Secretary says 'never-been-seen' measures to be applied on IranUS-Iran war LIVE: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (local time) said that Washington is going to apply measures that have "never been seen" on Iran. He made these remarks in an interview with Newsmax and said, "Watch this space for more announcements coming next week because we are going to apply measures like have never been seen in the history of economic isolation on a country." He added, "It will be a combination of economic isolation like the world has never seen before, and the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz that will keep anything from going in or out of the Iranian ports."US could not verify Israel's warnings of Iran's assassination plots against TrumpOver the past year, the United States has received several warnings from Israel that Iran intended to assassinate US President Donald Trump, including before a secret Air Force One ruse in Turkey, that US intelligence officials could not independently verify, according to a current US official and two former officials, Reuters reported. The warnings, which were either passed to US intelligence agencies or, in some cases, were sent directly to senior White House officials, included possible assassination plots to either shoot the US President with a sniper or recruit someone to attack him with a knife at a public event. The tips began ahead of the 12-day war in June last year and intensified this year before Washington decided to attack Tehran in February.Low oil prices are top US goal in Iran conflict: JD VanceUS Vice President JD Vance on Thursday (local time) said that Washington's top priority in the Tehran war was keeping oil and gas prices low for Americans, while preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon ranked second. His remarks contrasted Trump's repeated framing of the war: that entering the conflict had the sole objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, even if that meant short-term economic sacrifices for Americans. Speaking to Fox News, he said, "I know that oil is down today and it's way down from the highs in the early days of the conflict," and added, "That's goal number one -- keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all over our country." He further said, "And then obviously goal number two is to ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon."US can maintain naval blockade on Iran 'indefinitely': HegsethUS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday warned that Washington can continue with its naval blockade of Iranian ports "indefinitely" and for as long as needed, as reported by Al Jazeera. Hegseth made these remarks while addressing reporters in Panama City and said, "Indefinitely, the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to." His remarks come a day after Trump claimed that the US is exercising "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, and that he "will keep it" amid stalled negotiations with Iran regarding the reopening of the strategic conduit.Key Events14 Aug 2026, 05:41 AM IST14 Aug 2026, 05:41 AM IST14 Aug 2026, 05:41 AM ISTFollow updates here:14 Aug 2026, 05:58:58 AM ISTUS-Iran war LIVE: US can maintain naval blockade on Iran ‘indefinitely’, says HegsethUS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday warned that Washington can continue with its naval blockade of Iranian ports "indefinitely" and for as long as needed, as reported by Al Jazeera. Hegseth made these remarks while addressing reporters in Panama City and said, “Indefinitely, the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to.”14 Aug 2026, 05:41

Some of life’s most difficult chapters arrive without warning. A professional setback, a painful goodbye, an unexpected failure or a period of uncertainty can leave even the most confident person questioning what lies ahead. Yet, difficult times can also uncover a kind of strength that remains hidden when life is comfortable.The ability to keep going despite adversity is not always about being fearless or optimistic. Sometimes, resilience simply means holding on to the belief that difficult circumstances do not have the power to define an entire life.French-Algerian writer and philosopher Albert Camus captured this idea beautifully through the imagery of winter and summer. His words suggest that even when life feels cold, uncertain and overwhelming, there can still be a source of warmth and strength within us.Quote of the Day by Albert Camus: “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”Albert Camus quote of the day: What does ‘invincible summer’ mean?Camus wrote these words in his 1953 lyrical essay Return to Tipasa, which was later included in his 1954 collection Summer. While the sentence appears to draw upon the contrast between two seasons, its deeper meaning is about the human ability to endure difficult circumstances without losing one's inner sense of hope.The “winter” can be seen as a metaphor for the periods when life feels particularly difficult — grief, rejection, loneliness, failure, uncertainty or disappointment. These experiences can temporarily make the future seem as bleak as the present.But Camus introduces another image: an “invincible summer”.That summer represents something within us that hardship cannot completely destroy. It can be courage, hope, determination, curiosity or simply the will to continue. The word “invincible” is particularly significant because Camus does not suggest that people are immune to suffering. Instead, he points to the possibility that something inside us can survive it.Quote of the Day: Difficult times can reveal hidden strengthThe quote offers a powerful perspective on adversity. Hardship is painful, and it would be simplistic to suggest that every difficult experience automatically makes a person stronger. Some experiences leave lasting scars, and resilience often takes time.Yet difficult periods can also force us to discover capabilities we did not know we possessed. A career setback may prompt someone to reconsider their ambitions. Failure can reveal weaknesses that need to be addressed. Heartbreak can teach a person about boundaries and self-worth. Uncertainty can make us more adaptable.In that sense, resilience is not about denying the existence of the “winter”. It is about recognising that winter is not the whole story.Camus’ message remains particularly relevant in a world where uncertainty, professional pressure and personal expectations can make setbacks feel larger than they are. A difficult phase may change us, but it does not have to determine who we become.Albert Camus: A life shaped by adversityCamus’ understanding of hardship was influenced by his own experiences. Born on November 7, 1913, in Mondovi, French Algeria, he grew up in modest circumstances. His father was killed during World War I when Camus was still an infant, leaving his mother to raise the family in Algiers.Education became an important opportunity in his life. His teacher, Louis Germain, recognised his academic potential and encouraged him to continue his studies. Camus later remained deeply grateful for this support.At 17, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, an illness that disrupted his education and ended his hopes of pursuing football at the level he had once imagined. Despite these setbacks, he continued studying philosophy while working to support himself.Camus eventually moved into journalism, theatre and literature. During the 1930s, he became involved in Algeria’s cultural and political life and worked as a playwright, actor, director and jour

Cate Blanchett’s words, “If you know you are going to fail, then fail gloriously!”, reflect her fearless approach to acting and a career defined by ambitious choices, reinvention and creative risk-taking.Cate Blanchett poses for photographers at the photo call for the Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026-2027 Women's collection presented in Paris, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)(AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)“If you know you are going to fail, then fail gloriously!” — Cate BlanchettThe quote is a reminder that failure does not necessarily have to be avoided; sometimes, it is the willingness to take a risk that makes the attempt worthwhile.Meaning and relevance of the quoteBlanchett’s words encourage people to commit fully to their choices rather than allow the fear of getting something wrong to dictate their decisions.The sentiment is particularly fitting when viewed against Blanchett’s own career. Rather than repeatedly choosing roles that offered the safest route to success, the Australian actor has built a reputation for moving between mainstream cinema, independent films, period dramas, psychological stories and challenging character-driven projects.Blanchett first gained international recognition through films including Elizabeth, in which she portrayed Queen Elizabeth I. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and established her as a major screen presence. She later won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for The Aviator and the Academy Award for Best Actress for Blue Jasmine, demonstrating her range across very different characters.Her filmography has also included The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Notes on a Scandal, I'm Not There, Carol, Thor: Ragnarok, Ocean's 8 and Tár. The variety of those projects has been central to her reputation as an actor willing to embrace complexity rather than remain confined to one particular image.How is the quote relevant to Blanchett's career and legacy?The idea behind the quote also reflects something important about Blanchett's legacy: a successful career is not necessarily built by eliminating the possibility of failure. It can instead come from being prepared to take creative risks, even when the outcome is uncertain.Across decades of work, Blanchett has continued to challenge herself with demanding performances and unconventional material. Her career therefore gives the quote an added weight. Failure may be inevitable at some point, but approaching difficult choices with conviction can turn even an uncertain path into something memorable.For Blanchett, the lasting legacy is not simply the awards or acclaimed performances, but the willingness to keep experimenting. Her words ultimately suggest that if failure cannot always be avoided, there is still a choice in how one faces it: cautiously, or gloriously.About the AuthorTrisha BhattacharyaTrisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches ever