"The only sure thing about luck is that it will change"

Luck, that unpredictable force believed to influence fortunes, has long captivated human thought and emotion. Bret Harte’s observation suggests an essential, though perhaps unsettling, reality: no winning streak, no spell of misfortune, persists forever. Life operates in a realm of constant change, and what seems secure and fated today may yield to opposite outcomes tomorrow. The elusive nature of luck challenges the popular tendency to attribute success or failure solely to circumstances outside personal control. While moments of fortune do arrive unexpectedly, so too do moments of hardship, often without warning or discernible cause.

Belief in luck can offer solace in troubled times or humility during times of prosperity. It reminds individuals that neither despair nor triumph should be regarded as permanent or entirely deserved. Any current situation, no matter how advantageous or dire, could be fleeting. This awareness tempers arrogance in victory and soothes bitterness in defeat. The cycle of luck serves not just as a reminder of life’s uncertainties, but as a tool for resilience: setbacks become less devastating if recognized as temporary, while achievements gain additional significance for their rarity and fragility.

This perspective encourages adaptability. Instead of relying on luck’s favor or fearing its withdrawal, wise individuals develop skills, nurture relationships, and make prudent decisions. Hard work and preparation become worthwhile not because they guarantee a specific result, but because they increase the ability to weather fortune’s changes. Even the most carefully laid plans are subject to factors beyond control, yet persistence and ingenuity can provide stability amid luck’s fluctuations.

Embracing the impermanence of luck can foster gratitude. When favorable winds blow, appreciating the moment’s uniqueness brings deeper satisfaction. When fortune shifts, hope survives in the knowledge that change is inevitable. Ultimately, Harte’s insight encourages acceptance of uncertainty and the cultivation of inner resources as the most reliable response to luck’s ever-changing nature.