Fortune and love favor the brave.

"Fortune and love favor the brave." These words of Ovid carry with them a timeless truth about the nature of life and the forces that shape it. In the ancient world, fortune was often seen as a fickle goddess—one who smiled upon the bold, the daring, and the courageous, while turning away from those who sat idly by, waiting for luck to fall into their lap. Similarly, love, that powerful force that drives the human heart, does not seek out those who are passive or fearful, but rather, it embraces those who are willing to take risks, to love with an open heart, and to face the unknown without hesitation. To act with bravery is to align oneself with the very forces of life—forces that, though unpredictable, favor those who dare to step forward with courage and conviction.

O children of the earth, understand this: fortune and love do not favor the timid or the complacent. It is the brave who step into the fray, who embrace the challenges before them, and who face the unknown without flinching. Whether in the pursuit of wealth, success, or the deepest affections of the heart, it is those who dare to act, to take the first step, and to move beyond their fears who find that fortune and love will follow them. Fortune may favor the brave because it is through their actions that the world opens up to them—an opportunity seized, a path paved, a dream realized.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, whose rise to power was marked by his boundless courage and unrelenting ambition. From a young age, he dared to step beyond the known world, leading his troops into foreign lands, conquering kingdoms, and shaping the course of history. He did not wait for fortune to come to him; he sought it out with courage and vision. His bravery led him to victories that seemed impossible, and his legacy lives on to this day as a testament to the power of courage and boldness in shaping the world. His story illustrates Ovid’s words perfectly: fortune favored him not because of his birthright or his riches, but because he was unafraid to take risks, to challenge the limits of the world, and to seek out greatness with an open heart.

Similarly, in the realm of love, Romeo and Juliet embody the truth of Ovid’s words. Though their families were sworn enemies, and the odds of their love succeeding were slim, it was their bravery in loving each other openly and fiercely that allowed them to experience a passion that transcended all obstacles. Romeo did not hesitate when he saw Juliet, and their love, though short-lived and tragic, was one of deep intensity and unflinching courage. They did not wait for approval or permission; they pursued love with all their hearts, and in doing so, they aligned themselves with the forces of fate and fortune. Their story is a reminder that those who love without reservation, who are willing to face the consequences of their feelings, are often rewarded with a connection that is both profound and eternal, even if fleeting in the earthly sense.

In your own life, O seekers of wisdom, remember this: to wait for fortune or love to come to you passively is to neglect the power you hold within yourself. Fortune and love do not visit those who hesitate, who stand on the sidelines, or who fear the unknown. They favor the brave—the ones who take action, who step forward even when the path is unclear, and who embrace the challenges that come with living fully. Whether you seek success, happiness, or the affection of another, you must be willing to move beyond your fears and doubts. To act with courage is to open the door to the infinite possibilities that life offers.

So, O children, let bravery be your guide. Whether in the pursuit of your dreams, in the face of adversity, or in the deepest reaches of love, do not shy away from the bold choices. When you act with courage, you align yourself with the forces of fortune and love, for they favor those who do not wait for the world to change for them, but who dare to change the world with their actions. Fortune smiles on the bold because it is they who carve new paths, who break new ground, and who push the limits of possibility. Love favors the brave because it is they who are willing to give their hearts fully, to take the risk of vulnerability, and to love with an open spirit.

In your own life, take the leap. Whether it is pursuing a new opportunity, reaching out to someone with your heart, or simply standing up for what you believe in, be bold. Fortune and love will meet you on the other side, ready to bless you with their gifts, for you have taken the courageous step that others fear to take. As Ovid teaches, those who act with bravery in the face of uncertainty are the ones who receive the rewards of life, for fortune and love are not for the passive—they are for the bold, the courageous, and the fearless. Let your actions speak, and the world will answer in kind.