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Other men, with no more advantages than he, succeeded, and…

“Other men, with no more advantages than he, succeeded, and others again, with many more, failed. It seemed pure chance. The rain fell alike upon the just and upon the unjust, and for nothing was there a why and a wherefore.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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““Other men, with no more advantages than he, succeeded, and others again, with many more, failed. It seemed pure chance. The rain fell alike upon the just and upon the unjust, and for nothing was there a why and a wherefore.””

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Life’s outcomes often appear random, independent of merit or circumstance, highlighting the role of chance in success and failure.

In simple terms: Success and failure can be random, not always tied to effort or advantage.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty and focus on personal values.

Themes

chance justice inequity fate

Mood

reflective thoughtful melancholic

Type

philosophical observational literary

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • business ventures
  • personal relationships
  • health outcomes

Key Concepts

existentialism randomness moral relativism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you respond when outcomes feel unfair?
  • Can you find meaning beyond luck?
A Different Perspective

Randomness does not eliminate personal responsibility or ethical action.

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