Exactly, Hastings. And that is where the gambler (and the…
““Exactly, Hastings. And that is where the gambler (and the murderer, who is, after all, only a supreme kind of gambler since what he risks is not his money but his life) often lacks intelligent anticipation. Because he has won he thinks he will continue to win! He does not leave the tables in good time with his pockets full. So in crime the murderer who is successful cannot conceive the possibility of not being successful! He takes to himself all the credit for a successful performance--but I tell you, my friends, however carefully planned no crime can be successful without luck!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Success in risky endeavors breeds overconfidence; luck is essential, and failure to anticipate can be fatal.
In simple terms: Success can blind judgment.
Key Takeaway
Remember luck and anticipate limits.
Themes
risk
overconfidence
luck
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- gambling
- crime planning
- business strategy
Key Concepts
probability
decision theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance confidence with caution?
- What signs indicate it’s time to quit?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on luck can be disastrous.