Luck or Cunning? By: Samuel Butler (1835-1902)
Luck or Cunning? by Samuel Butler is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the role that luck plays in shaping our lives, and the extent to which our own cunning can influence our fortunes. Through a series of essays and anecdotes, Butler unpacks the idea that our achievements are often mistakenly attributed to our own cleverness or hard work, when in reality, they are heavily influenced by chance occurrences and serendipitous events. He argues that luck, rather than personal abilities alone, is the true determinant of success or failure. The author presents a solid case, drawing from a wide range of examples from history, literature, and personal experiences. From the rise and fall of empires to individual stories of triumph and tragedy, Butler illustrates how seemingly minor moments of luck or misfortune can have ripple effects that shape the course of our lives. One of the book's strengths is Butler's engaging writing style. He effortlessly blends humor and wit with profound insights, making the complex topics accessible to readers from all walks of life. His ability to tackle deep philosophical questions with clarity and brevity is truly impressive. Moreover, Butler's argument challenges the conventional wisdom that hard work alone is enough to achieve success. He compellingly argues that societal factors, biases, and random chance frequently overpower personal merit and effort. Nevertheless, some readers might find the book lacking in a clear conclusion or call to action. While the author excels at highlighting the power of luck, the reader may yearn for more practical advice on how to navigate the uncertain territories of life. Additionally, the occasional repetitiveness of certain arguments may cause the book to lose momentum at times. Overall, Luck or Cunning? is an engaging read that offers a fresh perspective on the factors determining our success and failures. Samuel Butler's thought-provoking and eloquent prose invites readers to reconsider their own beliefs and assumptions about the role of luck in their lives. Whether you agree or disagree with his conclusions, this book is a stimulating exploration of a topic that affects us all. First Page: Transcribed by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk from the 1922 Jonathan Cape edition LUCK, OR CUNNING AS THE MAIN MEANS OF ORGANIC MODIFICATION NOTE This second edition of Luck, or Cunning? is a reprint of the first edition, dated 1887, but actually published in November, 1886. The only alterations of any consequence are in the Index, which has been enlarged by the incorporation of several entries made by the author in a copy of the book which came into my possession on the death of his literary executor, Mr. R. A. Streatfeild. I thank Mr. G. W. Webb, of the University Library, Cambridge, for the care and skill with which he has made the necessary alterations; it was a troublesome job because owing to the re setting, the pagination was no longer the same. Luck, or Cunning? is the fourth of Butler's evolution books; it was followed in 1890 by three articles in The Universal Review entitled "The Deadlock in Darwinism" (republished in The Humour of Homer), after which he published no more upon that subject. In this book, as he says in his Introduction, he insists upon two main points: (1) the substantial identity between heredity and memory, and (2) the reintroduction of design into organic development; and these two points he treats as though they have something of that physical life with which they are so closely associated... Continue reading book >>

Luck or Cunning? By: Samuel Butler (1835-1902)

Luck or Cunning? by Samuel Butler is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the role that luck plays in shaping our lives, and the extent to which our own cunning can influence our fortunes.

Through a series of essays and anecdotes, Butler unpacks the idea that our achievements are often mistakenly attributed to our own cleverness or hard work, when in reality, they are heavily influenced by chance occurrences and serendipitous events. He argues that luck, rather than personal abilities alone, is the true determinant of success or failure.

The author presents a solid case, drawing from a wide range of examples from history, literature, and personal experiences. From the rise and fall of empires to individual stories of triumph and tragedy, Butler illustrates how seemingly minor moments of luck or misfortune can have ripple effects that shape the course of our lives.

One of the book's strengths is Butler's engaging writing style. He effortlessly blends humor and wit with profound insights, making the complex topics accessible to readers from all walks of life. His ability to tackle deep philosophical questions with clarity and brevity is truly impressive.

Moreover, Butler's argument challenges the conventional wisdom that hard work alone is enough to achieve success. He compellingly argues that societal factors, biases, and random chance frequently overpower personal merit and effort.

Nevertheless, some readers might find the book lacking in a clear conclusion or call to action. While the author excels at highlighting the power of luck, the reader may yearn for more practical advice on how to navigate the uncertain territories of life. Additionally, the occasional repetitiveness of certain arguments may cause the book to lose momentum at times.

Overall, Luck or Cunning? is an engaging read that offers a fresh perspective on the factors determining our success and failures. Samuel Butler's thought-provoking and eloquent prose invites readers to reconsider their own beliefs and assumptions about the role of luck in their lives. Whether you agree or disagree with his conclusions, this book is a stimulating exploration of a topic that affects us all.

First Page:

Transcribed by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk from the 1922 Jonathan Cape edition

LUCK, OR CUNNING AS THE MAIN MEANS OF ORGANIC MODIFICATION

NOTE

This second edition of Luck, or Cunning? is a reprint of the first edition, dated 1887, but actually published in November, 1886. The only alterations of any consequence are in the Index, which has been enlarged by the incorporation of several entries made by the author in a copy of the book which came into my possession on the death of his literary executor, Mr. R. A. Streatfeild. I thank Mr. G. W. Webb, of the University Library, Cambridge, for the care and skill with which he has made the necessary alterations; it was a troublesome job because owing to the re setting, the pagination was no longer the same.

Luck, or Cunning? is the fourth of Butler's evolution books; it was followed in 1890 by three articles in The Universal Review entitled "The Deadlock in Darwinism" (republished in The Humour of Homer), after which he published no more upon that subject.

In this book, as he says in his Introduction, he insists upon two main points: (1) the substantial identity between heredity and memory, and (2) the reintroduction of design into organic development; and these two points he treats as though they have something of that physical life with which they are so closely associated... Continue reading book >>

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