"People are lucky and unlucky not according to what they get absolutely, but according to the ratio between what they get and what they have been led to expect"
- Samuel Butler
About this Quote
This quote by Samuel Butler recommends that luck is not determined by what one has, but rather by the distinction between what one has and what one anticipates. In other words, if one has low expectations, they may feel lucky even if they have very little. On the other hand, if one has high expectations, they may feel unlucky even if they have a lot. This quote indicates that it is very important to have sensible expectations in order to be content with what one has. It also recommends that it is necessary to be grateful for what one has, instead of focusing on what one does not have. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to be conscious of our expectations and to value the advantages in life.