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It is madness to make fortune the mistress of events, because by herself she is nothing and is ruled by prudence.
John Dryden
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Relying solely on luck is foolish; good judgment is essential for success.

This quote emphasizes the importance of prudence and wise decision-making in determining outcomes, rather than leaving events to chance or fortune. It suggests that while fortune can play a role, it is ultimately our rational choices that govern our destiny.

Themes

FortuneMadnessPrudenceEventsJudgment

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about success, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of planning.

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Quote by John Dryden | QuoteProject