"This world is run with far too tight a rein for luck to interfere. Fortune sells her wares; she never gives them. In some form or other, we pay for her favors; or we go empty away"

The quote by Amelia Barr recommends a deterministic view of life, indicating that occasions and outcomes are less about chance and more about effort, exchange, and repercussion. The metaphor of the world being kept up "far too tight a rein" shows that life is governed by stringent guidelines or restraints that limit the impact of random opportunity or luck. This might reflect a worldview where disciplined effort, method, and adherence to these hidden laws are required for achieving success.

Barr's mention of "Fortune offers her wares; she never gives them" even more stresses the idea that success, prosperity, or great outcomes come at an expense. This metaphor of Fortune as a merchant implies that to get favor or achieve one's desires, one must trade, negotiate, or sacrifice something of worth. Her use of the word "products" suggests that luck or success is not arbitrarily bestowed however is a deal requiring input from us.

The latter part of the quote, "In some type or other, we pay for her favors; or we go empty away" strengthens this transactional nature of success and good fortune. It underscores the truth that we need to invest time, effort, cash, or other resources to achieve the important things we desire. If we refuse or fail to make this investment, we may leave "empty away", without attaining our objectives or getting any of Fortune's favors.

This perspective challenges the typical concept of luck as a spontaneous, serendipitous occasion, suggesting instead that deliberate action and the determination to pay the proverbial price are vital to affecting outcomes. Eventually, Barr's words indicate individual obligation and active participation in the pursuit of success, positing that we, rather than random possibility, hold considerable power in forming our destinies.