The remark urges attention away from missing resources and towards what remains available. Santiago recognises that dwelling on what he lacks will not improve his situation. His concern is practical: under pressure, useful action depends on assessing present conditions and making the best possible use of the tools, strength and knowledge that remain.

In The Old Man and the Sea, this attitude reflects Santiago’s wider resourcefulness. As his struggle continues, he repeatedly adapts to exhaustion, damaged equipment and changing circumstances rather than allowing those limitations to end his effort. The line therefore combines acceptance with action. It does not suggest that shortages or disadvantages are unimportant, but that there are moments when concentrating on them becomes unproductive. Its broader meaning concerns practical resilience: when circumstances cannot immediately be changed, effective judgement begins with recognising what is actually available and deciding how best to use it.