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About this quote

What does it mean?
Luck often compensates for a lack of wisdom or intelligence.
In plain terms
Fools get lucky because they are not wise.
What can you take from it?
Luck can mask a lack of skill or judgment.

Where it applies

  • success stories
  • career advancement
  • gambling

Putting it to work

  • do not rely on luck
  • seek wisdom
  • value skill

Questions to consider

  • Did you succeed by skill or luck?
  • Is your success sustainable?

Another view

Wisdom often leads to better outcomes than luck alone.

More from Michel de Montaigne

  1. Fashion is the science of appearances, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.

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  2. Hath God obliged himself not to exceed the bounds of our knowledge?

    Permalink to quote #72

  3. He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.

    Permalink to quote #73

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