"I am a great believer in luck. I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." - Thomas Jefferson

The Stoic Work Ethic: Where Luck Meets Effort

Foreword: The path to success is paved with both diligent effort and a bit of serendipity – and the Stoics knew this long before Thomas Jefferson did.

Quote: "I am a great believer in luck. I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." - Thomas Jefferson

A Modern Translation: The more effort I put in, the more good fortune seems to come my way.

Questions

1. Have you ever experienced a time where hard work seemed to "pay off" with a streak of good luck?

2. Do you believe effort directly creates opportunities for good fortune, or does it just make you more likely to recognize them?
   
   

Simple Explanation

This quote doesn't dismiss the importance of chance or luck but instead suggests that dedication and hard work put us in a better position to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.

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Deep Dive:

The Stoic focus on virtue means a life directed by reason and excellence in character. This emphasis led to a mindset where "good fortune" comes from focusing on what you can control rather than fretting over the fickle nature of luck. To a Stoic, working hard was about honoring your potential regardless of the immediate outcome.

Yet like Jefferson recognized, preparation yields results. Marcus Aurelius emphasized self-improvement through effort: "Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible for anyone to accomplish." This echoes the Jefferson quote with the additional perspective that our limitations are often in our minds.

Stoicism never promised good fortune in the conventional sense. Seneca reminds us: "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." By diligently preparing ourselves through hard work, we become more likely to seize those opportunities.

Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, emphasized living in agreement with nature. This means understanding the world's workings and our place within them. Hard work aligns with this by actively engaging our abilities instead of passively waiting for fortune to smile.

Applicable Situations:

• Facing setbacks: When things don't go as planned, the Stoic work ethic reminds us to look at what remains in our control.

• Seeking personal growth: Consistent effort builds character and abilities.

• Facing uncertainty: Stoic preparation through hard work gives us a sense of control amidst the unpredictable nature of life.

Action Items:

• Embrace the process: Focus on the intrinsic value of hard work rather than solely on the end goal.

• Cultivate persistence: Make consistent effort a habit and a part of your identity.

• Mind your self-talk: Replace "Will I be lucky?" with "How can I put in my best effort, right now?"

Modern Connections:

• In Angela Duckworth's book "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," she investigates the science behind why some people are more successful than others. Her research emphasizes that talent alone isn't enough; it's a combination of long-term passion and persistent effort. This directly aligns with the Stoic emphasis on working virtuously and consistently to reach your potential, even when external success is uncertain.

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