Argument Quote by Abraham de Moivre
“Further, the same Arguments which explode the Notion of Luck, may, on the other side, be useful in some Cases to establish a due comparison between Chance and Design: We may imagine Chance and Design to be, as it were, in Competition with each other, for the production of some sorts of Events, and may calculate what Probability there is, that those Events should be rather be owing to the one than to the other.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Doctrine of Chances, 1718
The quote suggests comparing random chance versus purposeful design to assess which more influences outcomes.
In simple terms: Compare luck and planning to see which drives events.
Key Takeaway
Analyze factors before assuming cause.
Themes
probability
philosophy
causality
statistics
design
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- risk assessment
- scientific research
- business strategy
- policy making
Key Concepts
chance
design
competition
event generation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when chance dominates over design?
- What methods can isolate design influence?
A Different Perspective
Assumes events can be neatly categorized, ignoring complex interdependencies.
