Context

This famous line is from Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss (1990).

While this book is definitely very Seuss-ian (the kid on the cover is wearing a onesie and being sucked into some sort of rainbow vortex), it's something of a departure for the guy who is pretty much every kid's favorite writer. No cats in hats or Hortons hearing Whos in this one.

Instead, we've got a narrator telling a kid (referred to only as "you") about all the great things that are in store for him as he ventures out into the great, wide world. He states: "You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go." Nothing much to analyze there—it's all pretty straightforward. This narrator guy doesn't mince words.

The "on your own" part is a little scary, but we all have to take a flying leap out of the nest at some point or another. At least you're the one who gets to decide where you'll go—unless, of course, Siri's map skills are out of whack. Then there's no knowing where you might end up.

Where you've heard it

You can assume that a quote from a children's book applies to more than just kids when it's used as an epigraph at the head of a Forbes article. You'll also find it referenced in blogs, blogs, and more blogs.

Man… bloggers really like this quote.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Nearly all signs point to this quote getting a "1" on the pretentious scale. It has simple language, there are no hidden messages, it's intended for kids, etc. But… you know, it rhymes. So, sorry—a "2" it is.