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About this quote

What does it mean?
Lincoln suggests that preparation is essential because opportunities may arrive unexpectedly.
In plain terms
Get ready because your chance might come soon.
What can you take from it?
Preparation ensures readiness when opportunity arises.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • skill development

Putting it to work

  • setting goals
  • investing in self-improvement

Questions to consider

  • Is luck necessary for success?
  • How do you prepare for opportunity?

Another view

It assumes luck plays a role rather than just effort.

More from Abraham Lincoln

  1. America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

    Permalink to quote #102
  2. Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

    Permalink to quote #104
  3. I do not consider that I have ever accomplished anything without God; and if it is His will that I must die by the hand of an assassin, I must be resigned. I m…

    Permalink to quote #101

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