"Take what you can use and let the rest go by" is a key theme from Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." This quote suggests a practical approach to life, encouraging individuals to focus on that which is beneficial while disregarding the trivial. It reflects a survival mindset in the face of adversity, particularly within the oppressive environment of the mental institution depicted in the story. Characters learn to navigate their circumstances by finding value in certain experiences while dismissing the rest.

This philosophy also emphasizes the importance of personal choice and agency. By advocating for selective engagement with the world, Kesey illustrates the struggle for autonomy against institutional control. The maxim resonates with the novel’s exploration of freedom, individuality, and the human spirit's resilience. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that we have the power to shape our own reality by choosing what to hold onto and what to let go.