Is success a matter of luck or hard work?
On our visit to Germany this year, we were taught a version of ‘Rummy’, with a few extra rules. Since returning, my wife and I have played almost every other evening. She is competitive. Unfortunately for her, I am even more so. But this is not really about cards. It is about luck. Some evenings, no matter how hard she tries, the cards refuse to cooperate, while mine seem to fall perfectly into…
The discussion on success revolves around the elements of luck and effort. A married couple living in Germany play Rummy, an evening pastime, and the outcome frequently hinges on chance. The wife, being competitive, struggles when luck doesn't favor her, while the husband, more competitive still, wins swiftly when the cards are in his favor. This game illustrates that even when playing by the same rules, the results can vary greatly.
The author shares a personal encounter with luck when he narrowly escaped a car accident while crossing a busy road. These two events highlight that luck can be both a blessing and a curse, capable of drastically changing one's life.
A recent article in Gulf News recounted a story of a man who won a Dh30 million UAE Lottery jackpot by correctly guessing all seven numbers. The mathematical odds against winning were daunting (one in 8.8 million), yet here, luck played a significant role. Yet, it's unclear why this particular group won, as millions of others didn't, adding to the enigma of luck.
The concept of luck is often used interchangeably with fate and destiny but, for the author, they are distinct. Luck is external and unpredictable, Fate suggests a predetermined outcome, while Destiny shapes one's life, influenced by choices and actions. In India, this notion is encapsulated in the term 'kismet', which can encompass all three.
We can often admire individuals who seem to have been 'lucky'. For instance, someone born into wealth may have advantages beyond their control. Yet, having such advantages doesn't guarantee success. Instead, it's how one utilizes these opportunities that truly matters. For example, a wealthy individual might not necessarily become a successful individual if they fail to leverage their wealth.
From a scientific standpoint, probability governs many events, leading to random outcomes that can result in incredible streaks. In a card game, for example, the deck has no memory of previous wins, and remembering improbable wins overshadows the numerous ordinary, unremarkable nights.
Understanding probability does not fully satisfy our curiosity. While we can calculate the odds of winning the lottery, predicting the exact winning ticket remains a mystery. We can explain the mechanics of a near miss, but it fails to address the profound question of why one might survive a potentially fatal situation. Perhaps the mystery lies in our intrinsic need to find meaning in events that are fundamentally random.
Although luck often doesn't tell the whole story, it may still open doors. The author credits his ascent to the headmaster position at The Bishop’s School in Pune to a mix of luck and hard work. While senior colleagues' departure created an opportunity, his readiness to step into that role was due to hard work and dedication.
Ultimately, luck cannot be controlled, but it can be wisely received and utilized. Success is not solely dependent on hard work or good fortune, but rather, it's a combination of both. Gratitude for favourable circumstances and readiness to seize opportunities are key. While luck remains an enigma, the real question is how we make the most of the hand we've been dealt.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
