Lastly,” Lye said,”we must wash your luck. When souls…
““Lastly,” Lye said,”we must wash your luck. When souls queue up to be born, they all leap up at just the last moment, touching the lintel of the world for luck. Some jump high and can seize a great measure of luck; some jump only a bit and snatch a few loose strands. Everyone manages to catch some. If one did not have at least a little luck, one would never survive childhood. But luck can be spent, like money; and lost, like memory; and wasted, like life. If you know how to look, you can examine the kneecaps of a human and tell how much luck they have left. No bath can replenish luck that has been spent on avoiding an early death by automobile accident or winning too many raffles in a row. No bath can restore luck lost through absentmindedness and overconfidence. But luck withered by conservative, tired,riskless living can be plumped up again—after all, it was only a bit thirsty for something to do.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Luck is a finite resource that can be spent, lost, or replenished through effort and risk.
In simple terms: Luck can be used up or regained.
Key Takeaway
Use luck wisely.
Themes
luck
risk
resource management
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
narrative
metaphorical
When to use this quote
- financial decisions
- health choices
- creative projects
- travel planning
Key Concepts
probability
fortune
human agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you conserve luck?
- When should you take risks?
A Different Perspective
Luck is unpredictable and may not return.