Fortune favors the bold

Definition

Success comes to those who are willing to take risks and act courageously.

Etymology

This is a translation of the Latin "audentes fortuna iuvat," found in Virgil's Aeneid and used by Pliny the Elder. The phrase entered English in various forms during the Renaissance and became popular in military and business contexts as encouragement for decisive action and calculated risk-taking.

Kelly Says

This ancient motto was famously adopted by many military units and explorers throughout history, including being inscribed on ships and regimental banners. Interestingly, survivorship bias makes this phrase seem more true than it is - we hear about the bold people who succeeded, but not about all the bold people who failed spectacularly!

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