“Necessity is the mother of taking chances.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“Necessity is the mother of taking chances.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously explores the idea that when faced with urgent needs or difficult situations, people are often pushed to take risks or make bold decisions they might otherwise avoid. The phrase “necessity is the mother of invention” is well-known, but Twain puts his own twist on it, suggesting that necessity not only inspires innovation, but also leads people to embrace uncertainty and take chances when there seems to be no other option. The humor comes from the ironic notion that it’s often only when we are backed into a corner—when circumstances demand action—that we are willing to take the risks that could lead to either success or failure.
Twain’s remark highlights a fundamental truth about human behavior: people are often reluctant to take chances unless they feel that something critical is at stake. Necessity, whether it’s financial pressure, a personal crisis, or the need for change, forces people to take risks, often leading them to step outside their comfort zone in pursuit of a solution.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with entrepreneurship, personal decisions, and life choices, where people often take risks only when necessity compels them to do so. Whether starting a new business, making a major life change, or solving a problem in a high-pressure situation, Twain’s words remind us that necessity can be a powerful motivator to step outside of the safe and predictable, and embrace the unknown.
