Born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1909, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty set her stories in the American South she knew and loved. Through the use of mythology and folklore motifs, Welty explored the significance of place and the transformative nature of travel. In her 1943 short story “The Wide Net,” Welty’s protagonist William Wallace Jamieson undergoes a life-altering change when he’s forced to face the mysteries of nature. Through the words of local wise man Old Doc, Welty emphasizes that our approach to life is what ultimately shapes the outcome of our experiences. This quote encourages introspection and reminds us that the end result of any life-changing journey is ultimately influenced by our mindset.