--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We like to think that we plan what…" description: "\"“We like to think that we plan what happens to us, but it is chance, surely, that lies behind so many of the great events of our lives -- the meeting w..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/40c/alexander-mccall-smith-372_chance_we-like-to-think-that-we-plan-what-happe_575184.jpg" --- # We like to think that we plan what happens to us, but it… ![“We like to think that we plan what happens to us, but it is chance, surely, that lies behind so many of the great events of our lives -- the meeting with the person with whom we are destined to spend the rest of our days, the receiving of a piece of advice whic influences our choice of career, the…” quote by Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/40c/alexander-mccall-smith-372_chance_we-like-to-think-that-we-plan-what-happe_575184.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/40c/alexander-mccall-smith-372_chance_we-like-to-think-that-we-plan-what-happe_575184.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/40c/alexander-mccall-smith-372_chance_we-like-to-think-that-we-plan-what-happe_575184.jpg) > ““We like to think that we plan what happens to us, but it is chance, surely, that lies behind so many of the great events of our lives -- the meeting with the person with whom we are destined to spend the rest of our days, the receiving of a piece of advice whic influences our choice of career, the spotting of a particular house for sale; all of these may be put down to pur chance, and yet they govern how our lives work out and how happy--or unhappy--we were going to be.”” [Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mccall-smith/) ## 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 major events often stem from random chance, shaping destiny and happiness beyond our plans. **In simple terms:** Chance influences key life moments more than planning. Key Takeaway Accept uncertainty and stay adaptable. Themes fate chance destiny happiness Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career choices - relationships - home buying - receiving advice - meeting partners Key Concepts philosophy psychology storytelling Questions to Reflect On - How much control do you truly have over life events? - Can recognizing chance improve decision‑making? 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