Meaning & Analysis
A successful result was achieved due to luck or random chance, not because of any skill, intelligence, or clever strategy ('good cunning').
Insights
Undeserved Success
The proverb reflects on the theme of undeserved success, where a positive outcome is achieved despite a flawed or non-existent plan, highlighting the unpredictable nature of fortune.
Performance of Humility
It serves as an expression of humility, allowing a person to downplay their own achievements by attributing them to luck rather than boasting about their abilities.
The Power of Fortune
The saying philosophically acknowledges the significant role of randomness and fortune in life, suggesting that external, uncontrollable factors can often outweigh deliberate effort and skill.
Process vs. Outcome
It functions as a critique of process over outcome, implying that while the result was favorable, the method was poor and should not be relied upon for future success.
Psychology of Attribution
The proverb underscores a psychological tension in how we attribute success. It can be used to express humility by attributing a positive outcome to external forces (luck) rather than personal skill, or as a subtle critique to suggest someone's success was undeserved and not due to their own merit.
Archaic Language
The term 'cunning' here retains its older, positive meaning of 'skill' or 'knowledge', rather than the modern sense of deceit. This highlights a linguistic shift and frames the proverb as a direct comparison between expertise and pure fortune.
Critique of Hubris
This saying serves as a social corrective against hubris. By attributing success to chance, it reminds individuals that outcomes are not always within our control and that even a poorly executed plan can succeed through sheer luck, cautioning against overconfidence.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb is built on the direct contrast between 'chance' (random fortune) and 'cunning' (skill), creating a clear and memorable antithesis that emphasizes its core meaning.
Alliteration
The alliterative 'c' in 'chance' and 'cunning' adds a rhythmic, poetic quality to the phrase, making it more memorable and pleasing to the ear.
Transcription
Quotations
More by good luck, than by good guiding.
Annotations
- Spoken when a Thing, ill managed, falls out well.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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