"All good fortune is a gift of the gods, and you don't win the favor of the ancient gods by being good, but by being bold"

Anita Brookner's quote, "All good fortune is a gift of the gods, and you don't win the favor of the ancient gods by being excellent, however by being bold", provides a compelling viewpoint on the nature of luck and success. The quote recommends that good luck is not necessarily a benefit for moral habits but rather a present bestowed upon those who attempt to take risks and act boldly.

The phrase "a present of the gods" indicates that fortune is something beyond human control, a kindhearted endowment from powerful, capricious beings. This view resonates with the ancient belief systems where deities held sway over human fate, highlighting the arbitrary nature of good luck. It suggests that prosperity and success are less about personal merit and more about being in the ideal place at the correct time, helped with by bold action.

Furthermore, the quote highlights boldness over goodness as a method to attract favor. This difference is important. While traditional moral frameworks often reward virtue, Brookner challenges this concept. She posits that those who attain success and fortune are not always the most exemplary but those going to take threats. Boldness here can be interpreted as the courage to endeavor into the unidentified, make unconventional choices, and defy the status quo. This bold technique is what catches the gods' attention, as it shows a determination to challenge limits and assert one's existence worldwide.

In modern terms, this could be viewed as a recommendation of entrepreneurial spirit and development. Success frequently favors those who step outside their convenience zones-- those who are willing to face failure, gain from it, and try once again. In sum, Brookner's quote motivates a reevaluation of what we value as courses to success. It suggests that while virtue is good, it is boldness that truly harnesses the unforeseeable yet powerful favor of fortune.