Opinion: In Defense of Luck
Takeaways:
Smith jumps in by noting that it has become fashionable to devalue luck as it relates to personal success. Tech founders like Jack Dorsey theorize that “success is never accidental,” signaling a comforting illusion that life is fully controllable through logic and effort. This isn’t accurate, Smith argues, noting that this mindset replaces humility with hubris and blinds us to the randomness that shapes success.
The phrase “You make your own luck” persists because it reassures us we’re in charge. But Smith notes this linguistic trick reveals our bias for mastery over mystery, even when randomness drives much of life.
Smith argues that in a world of accelerating speed, we equate success with moral virtue—hard work, grit, and discipline—while ignoring the advantages of luck. This faith in meritocracy blinds us to randomness and breeds arrogance. Recognizing luck, he argues, restores humility, empathy, and fairness in how we view others.
Smith argues that erasing luck from the story of our lives distorts what success really means. Luck and effort don’t compete—they collaborate. Success blends chance with choice. The most successful often stumble on opportunities through openness and curiosity, not perfect planning & execution. Smith suggests adaptability, not control, determines who thrives when luck enters the equation.
Acknowledging luck should not be taboo. Accepting how much lies beyond our control fosters humility and gratitude and reminds us that success and failure aren’t purely moral outcomes. Effort and skill are essential but never enough.
By respecting luck’s role, Smith writes, we regain empathy and a more honest sense of achievement.
From Ed Smith of Four Seasons Magazine
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