People often say this when faced with unpleasant, unavoidable events. Whether we consider the phrase to be an annoying cliché or a useful reminder, it's difficult to argue with the logic. It is what it is, so we might as well make our peace with it.

But we stumble when the time comes to apply this wisdom. Whether it's an ill-timed computer crash, an upsetting diagnosis, or a global pandemic, accepting a bad situation is hard. And what if we can change it? The world would be quite different if Jonas Salk had accepted polio, or if members of the civil rights movement had accepted racial inequality.

So. Is it what it is?

Taking us on a journey into the heart of this question, Book of iiwii provides thought-provoking insights on surrendering, resisting, and figuring out when which approach is right.