Edward Gibbon on luck

In every deed of mischief he had a heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute.

Vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a common grave.

I was never less alone than when by myself.

Chance favors the prepared mind.

Louis Pasteur1822–1895

I am a strong believer in luck and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.

I think luck is the sense to recognize an opportunity and the ability to take advantage of it… The man who can smile at his breaks and grab his chances gets on.

Samuel Goldwyn1882–1974