What is called chance is the instrument of Providence and…
“What is called chance is the instrument of Providence and the secret agent that counteracts what men call wisdom, and preserves order and regularity, and continuation in the whole, for ... I firmly believe, notwithstanding all our complaints, that almost every person upon earth tastes upon the totality more happiness than misery; and therefore if we could correct the world to our fancies, and with the best intentions imaginable, probably we should only produce more misery and confusion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Chance and providence shape events beyond human wisdom; striving for a perfect world may increase chaos.
In simple terms: Luck and fate influence life more than plans.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty.
Themes
fate
wisdom
order
chaos
Mood
thoughtful
skeptical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal expectations
- social engineering
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
philosophy
theology
probability
Questions to Reflect On
- How much should we trust chance?
- Can we improve the world without causing new problems?
A Different Perspective
Attempting to control everything can backfire.