--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Virtue without success is a fair picture…" description: "\"Virtue without success is a fair picture shown by an ill light; but lucky men are favorites of heaven; all own the chief, when fortune owns the cause.\"..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cbf/john-dryden-491_causes_virtue-without-success-is-a-fair-picture_83446.jpg" --- # Virtue without success is a fair picture shown by an ill… ![“Virtue without success is a fair picture shown by an ill light; but lucky men are favorites of heaven; all own the chief, when fortune owns the cause.” quote by John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cbf/john-dryden-491_causes_virtue-without-success-is-a-fair-picture_83446.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cbf/john-dryden-491_causes_virtue-without-success-is-a-fair-picture_83446.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cbf/john-dryden-491_causes_virtue-without-success-is-a-fair-picture_83446.jpg) > “Virtue without success is a fair picture shown by an ill light; but lucky men are favorites of heaven; all own the chief, when fortune owns the cause.” [John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dryden/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Virtue alone is insufficient; without favorable circumstances it appears dim, while luck can elevate even modest achievements. **In simple terms:** Goodness needs luck to shine. Key Takeaway Success depends on both merit and fortune. Themes virtue luck fortune perception achievement Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical maxim When to use this quote - career advancement - artistic recognition - business deals - academic publishing Key Concepts subjective value randomness Practical Applications - cultivate resilience - network strategically Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance effort with acceptance of chance? - Can virtue be recognized without external rewards? A Different Perspective Overemphasizing luck can undermine personal agency and effort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Chiefs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chiefs/) [Fortune](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fortune/) [Heaven](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven/) [Ill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ill/) [Light](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/light/) [Luck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/luck/) [Lucky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lucky/) [Lucky man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lucky-man/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) ## Related quotes > [Lucky men are favorites of Heaven.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dryden/lucky-men-are-favorites-of-heaven/) [John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dryden/) > [“Are you what is called a lucky man? 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