"Luck's always to blame"

"Luck's always to blame" by Jean de La Fontaine distills a truth about human tendency to deflect responsibility. When faced with failure or misfortune, people are quick to attribute outcomes to external forces rather than examining their own choices, efforts, or flaws. Rather than confronting uncomfortable truths about their actions or inactions, they find solace in blaming luck, fate, or chance. This unwillingness to accept responsibility is not only a protective mechanism for the ego but also a social reflex; it allows individuals to maintain their self-image and avoid criticism from others.

The phrase also touches upon the universal human struggle with uncertainty and lack of control. Because many outcomes seem random or influenced by factors beyond one's control, the figure of "luck" becomes an easy scapegoat. By blaming luck, one avoids the anxiety that arises from recognizing both limitations and the unpredictability of life. This perspective can be comforting, but it also prevents growth and learning. When success or failure is attributed mainly to luck, introspection and meaningful change are neglected; the opportunity for self-improvement is lost.

Jean de La Fontaine’s observation is apt, especially in societies where merit and effort are highly prized. While luck undeniably plays a role in human affairs, constant reference to it as the cause of failure distorts reality. People succeed or fail for a mixture of reasons, talent, preparation, persistence, timing, and indeed, luck. Ignoring all but the last diminishes individual agency.

Ultimately, "Luck's always to blame" is a subtle critique of excuse-making and the abdication of responsibility. Through these few words, La Fontaine invites readers to look inward, to recognize personal involvement in their own destinies, and to balance acknowledgment of chance with accountability and self-awareness. By doing so, people can seek genuine understanding and mastery over their lives rather than surrendering to the whims of fate.