Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

If you define luck to be exactly synonymous with chance, then you are right.

There is a subtle difference between luck and chance. Chance is that uncontrollable randomness. Luck is a combination of chance, being prepared, noticing opportunities, not dwelling on negative experiences, and increasing entropy.

If you look at luck as a combination of those factors, it turns out most are under some degree of your control.

I know plenty of people who have decent lives, are lazy, keep a strict routine to minimize surprises, and have not reacted to opportunities which could have turned out really well for them. They consider themselves unlucky.



Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: