“Some people are so fond of ill-luck that they run half-way to meet it.”

“There's no such thing as luck. Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.”

Amy Hempel (1951) Short story writer

“Perhaps all our troubles - all the violence, obesity, illness, depression, and greed we can't overcome - began when we stopped living as Running People. Deny your nature, and it will erupt in some other, uglier way.”

Christopher McDougall (1962) American journalist and writer

“In war, luck is half in everything.”

Napoleon I of France (1769–1821) French general, First Consul and later Emperor of the French

“Ill luck, you know, seldom comes alone.”

Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright

“I may say that this is the greatest factor — the way in which the expedition is equipped — the way in which every difficulty is foreseen, and precautions taken for meeting or avoiding it. Victory awaits him who has everything in order — luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck.”

Roald Amundsen (1872–1928) Norwegian polar researcher, who was the first to reach the South Pole

“Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.”

Denzel Washington (1954) actor, screenwriter, director, producer

“Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.”

Oprah Winfrey (1954) American businesswoman, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist

“When ill luck begins, it does not come in sprinkles, but in showers.”

Mark Twain book Pudd'nhead Wilson

“Danger: if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half. Never run away from anything. Never!”

Winston S. Churchill (1874–1965) Prime Minister of the United Kingdom