Wow. This issue of 'luck' has certainly been through a long and twisted debate.
The original premise I proposed was that luck is one of the factors in success. There are those who work hard all their lives, but don't have enough to reach whatever goals they set forth. Some are tortured by that, others accept it as part of life and learn to enjoy other aspects of their 'luck' (good health, family, friends, etc).
There is a counter argument that luck has nothing to do with it; that it is all just a matter of hard work and perserverence. Well, tell that to the guy I knew who toiled in three startups, then tragically died of brain cancer. He worked too hard to even properly enjoy his family; he was always at work late at night and on the weekends.
Of course, he was very unlucky. It makes me appreciate the luck I have enjoyed, in business and home life. And gives me empathy for those not as fortunate.
Again, I do not believe that luck is the only factor; hard work and perserverence, as well as other factors, are also important. But lack of or bad luck can cancel these out in a heartbeat.
I guess that's why we celebrate Thanksgiving. |
