Famous Luck Quotes in English with Images

Here’s a list of famous quotes about luck, with meanings and examples to show their deeper implications:


  1. “I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” — Thomas Jefferson

    • Meaning: Luck isn’t entirely random; it’s often influenced by the effort and preparation we put in. Hard work creates opportunities that seem like "luck."

    • Example: A writer submits numerous pieces over the years, and when they finally get published, others may call it “lucky,” but it’s actually the result of consistent effort.


  1. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — Seneca

    • Meaning: Good fortune often appears when someone is ready to act on a new chance. Preparation puts us in the right position to take advantage of “lucky” moments.

    • Example: An athlete who has trained intensely might seize an unexpected opportunity to join a major team, making the most of the “luck” created by their preparation.


  1. “The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.” — Bret Harte

    • Meaning: Luck, whether good or bad, is temporary and unpredictable. Counting on it too much is unreliable since circumstances can quickly shift.

    • Example: A person winning the lottery can’t rely on similar luck in the future; instead, they may need to manage their winnings wisely.


  1. “Luck has a peculiar habit of favoring those who don’t depend on it.” — Unknown

    • Meaning: Those who take responsibility and work hard are more likely to experience good fortune than those who passively wait for luck.

    • Example: A student who studies hard for an exam may find that “luck” is on their side, while a student who hasn’t prepared and relies on luck may not do as well.


  1. “Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

    • Meaning: Instead of attributing success to luck, strong-minded individuals understand the value of effort, choices, and consequences.

    • Example: A business owner attributes growth to strategy and hard work rather than luck, focusing on making wise decisions rather than hoping for fortune.


  1. “Diligence is the mother of good luck.” — Benjamin Franklin

    • Meaning: Good fortune often comes as a result of hard work and dedication. Consistent effort is the foundation for what others call “luck.”

    • Example: An artist’s years of practicing and refining their skills lead to an “overnight success,” showing that good fortune came from effort.


  1. “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” — Oprah Winfrey

    • Meaning: Preparation is key to making the most of opportunities when they come. What others see as “luck” is often simply being ready at the right time.

    • Example: A chef who has trained for years in culinary school might get the “lucky” chance to work in a prestigious kitchen due to their readiness.


  1. “Sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” — Dalai Lama

    • Meaning: Missing out on something you desire can open up better possibilities or prevent a negative outcome, which can be a hidden blessing.

    • Example: A person not getting a job they wanted might end up with a better opportunity later, realizing that the initial rejection was fortunate.


  1. “Fortune favors the bold.” — Virgil

    • Meaning: Luck tends to favor those willing to take risks and seize opportunities rather than playing it safe.

    • Example: An entrepreneur taking a chance on a new, innovative product might experience success, showing that their courage helped them succeed.


  1. “Luck is believing you’re lucky.” — Tennessee Williams

    • Meaning: A positive mindset can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Believing in your own luck can help attract more favorable outcomes.

    • Example: Someone confident in their ability to achieve success may appear “lucky” because they approach opportunities with optimism and resilience.


These quotes highlight different perspectives on luck, showing how it often results from a combination of mindset, effort, and opportunity.

The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work.

- Luck Quotes by Harry Golden

The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work.

- Luck Quotes by Harry Golden

A pounds of pluck is worth a ton of luck.

- Luck Quotes by James A. Garfield

A pounds of pluck is worth a ton of luck.

- Luck Quotes by James A. Garfield

Luck is what you have left over after you give 100 percent.

- Luck Quotes by Langston Coleman

Luck is what you have left over after you give 100 percent.

- Luck Quotes by Langston Coleman

Shallow men believe in luck. Strongmen believe in cause and effect.

- Luck Quotes by Ralph Waldo Emersons

Shallow men believe in luck.  Strongmen believe in cause and effect.

- Luck Quotes by Ralph Waldo Emersons

True luck consists not in holding the best of the cards at the table; luckiest is he who knows just when to rise and go home.

True luck consists not in holding the best of the cards at the table; luckiest is he who knows just when to rise and go home.

- Luck Quotes by John Hay

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.

- Luck Quotes by Thomas Jefferson

People always call it luck when you've acted more sensibly than they here.

People always call it luck when you've acted more sensibly than they here.

- Luck Quotes by Anne Tyler

We must believe in luck. For how else can we explain the success of those we don't like?

We must believe in luck.  For how else can we explain the success of those we don't like?

- Luck Quotes by Jean Cocteau