The harder I work, the luckier I become.
In the words of the storyteller, “The harder I work, the luckier I become.” Thus spoke Terry Pratchett, whose craft of weaving worlds was matched only by his wit and wisdom. His saying pierces the veil of chance, teaching that what men call luck is often the fruit of unyielding work. For fortune, like the wind, blows freely, but only the prepared sailor can raise the sail and catch its power.
The meaning is this: toil and effort sharpen the senses, open doors, and make one ready to seize the moments others call chance. To those who do not labor, opportunity passes unseen; but to those who grind and strive, every small opening becomes a path to greatness. What appears to be luck is in truth the meeting of preparation and opportunity, and those who labor hardest meet fortune most often.
The harder work not only builds skill but also molds the heart to endure trial. In the hours of sweat and perseverance, one learns discipline, and it is this discipline that turns fleeting opportunities into lasting triumphs. The idle dreamer may wait for fortune, but the diligent worker becomes its architect, bending chance itself to their will.
The origin of this wisdom is timeless, though Pratchett gave it new voice. From the farmers who tilled the earth until the harvest came, to the artisans who shaped stone into temples, all knew this truth: labor calls forth luck, as fire calls forth light. To the generations who follow, the teaching is clear — do not pray for chance alone, but labor so fiercely that chance itself bows to your readiness.
KOTran Thi Kieu Oanh
Terry Pratchett's words reflect a mindset that resonates with many successful people—luck often comes from preparation and perseverance. However, I wonder if this approach puts too much pressure on individuals to keep grinding. Are we in danger of ignoring the external factors that also contribute to success, such as privilege or the support we receive from others?
IWI'm Way
This quote reminds me of how often people downplay the role of hard work in 'lucky' breaks. It’s easy to attribute success to luck, but I think Pratchett nails it—hard work makes you ready when the right opportunity comes along. But is there a risk in focusing too much on working harder? How do we avoid burning out while still striving for success?
HVDuy Hung Vo
Terry Pratchett's perspective makes me think about how we often associate luck with external forces. But this quote seems to say that we make our own luck through effort and persistence. I wonder, though, how much does timing play into it? Can someone work incredibly hard and still miss out on opportunities just because they weren’t in the right place at the right time?
HLHa Thi Hai Ly
I love this quote because it captures the idea that hard work and luck aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s true that sometimes the harder you work, the more opportunities you create for yourself, and luck tends to follow. But can it be a bit oversimplified? Does working harder always lead to success, or are there circumstances where no amount of effort can guarantee a lucky break?