Luck Vs Luck

589 Words3 Pages
The quote “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity” has recently been attributed to media mogul, Oprah Winfrey. This same quote has also been attributed to a first century Roman statesman named Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Regardless of where the quote originated, its meaning seems reasonably clear. When a beneficial opportunity presents itself, the potential recipient needs to ensure that they are in a position that allows them to take advantage of it. Others who may have received similar opportunities, but were unprepared, may perceive the success of their counterpart as “lucky”. By crediting their counterpart's prosperity to chance, they alleviate any concerns that their misfortune was due to a failing on their part. While I'm inclined to agree with the idea behind the quote, at least in a business sense, I can't say that I agree for all circumstances. Looking at the success of the Microsoft Corporation or Apple Computers, it's easy enough to assume that other pioneers in the software industry in the 1970s and 1980s could have achieved the same level of success if they had made the correct business decisions and accurately predicted the growing technology market. The story of the “luck” of Apple…show more content…
A few years ago a co-worker was laid off during a period of corporate downsizing that took place on a Tuesday afternoon. By the following Monday he had accepted a position with a local business that included a significantly higher salary. Additionally, he received several weeks worth of pay as part of his severance package. Many of my co-workers pointed out his good “luck”, however his success was due primarily to his maintaining a stellar reputation in the local business community and quickly researching available positions after being let go. By being prepared, he was able to attain prosperity when faced with the “opportunity” of being
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