“It seems to never occur to fools that merit and good fortune are closely united.”
- August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832
- German
- Poet, playwright, novelist, philosopher, politician
- His literary works “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther” had a major impact on world literature.
Quote
“It seems to never occur to fools that merit and good fortune are closely united.”
Explanation
Goethe points out that many people fail to recognize the connection between merit—the qualities of hard work, talent, and integrity—and good fortune—the opportunities, luck, or circumstances that contribute to success. Fools, in this case, are those who may see good fortune as purely the result of chance or luck, without acknowledging the role that merit plays in achieving success. In reality, those who succeed often combine both the right qualities (such as skill, diligence, or perseverance) with the opportunities that come their way. This suggests that success is not just about luck but about being prepared and capable when opportunity arises.
Historically, this idea reflects Goethe’s belief in the importance of personal responsibility and self-improvement. During his time, there was a growing emphasis on the power of individual effort and achievement, especially as the Enlightenment ideals of reason and self-determination gained prominence. Goethe believed that personal merit—intellectual, moral, or artistic—was closely linked to one’s ability to make the most of opportunities, rather than depending solely on luck or fortune.
In modern contexts, this idea still holds true. While many people may view success as something that depends on circumstances or luck, it’s often a combination of hard work, skill, and opportunity. For example, someone who has developed a strong work ethic and refined their talents is more likely to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, compared to someone who relies purely on chance. In the world of entrepreneurship or career advancement, merit—through skills, experience, and initiative—is closely tied to good fortune, as the ability to capitalize on opportunities often requires the preparation that comes from hard work.
Goethe’s words remind us that success is not just a matter of being in the right place at the right time, but of being ready to seize opportunities when they present themselves. True success is a combination of merit—skills, character, and effort—and fortune, or the ability to capitalize on the circumstances around us.
