Isaac Asimov on luck

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.

The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ (I found it!) but ‘That’s funny…’

Why is it that you physicists always require so much expensive equipment? Now the Department of Mathematics requires nothing but money for paper, pencils, and erasers…and the Department of Philosophy is better still. It doesn’t even ask for erasers.

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