Rolling the Dice on Life: Quotes and Lessons About Taking Chances
Some choices are calculated and deliberate, while others are made in an instant. Sometimes the gamble is as casual as trying your luck in a non ADM casino, where the appeal lies less in the odds and more in the thrill of possibility. These moments remind us that risk, whether playful or serious, is part of how we grow. We bring you the most famous quotes on taking chances and lessons from famous people who decided to roll the dice on life.
Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie is the writer behind the famous book How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936). Almost a century later, this book shows its readers how to approach risk as an opportunity, whether it’s public speaking, social interactions, or simply asking for what you want.
“Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.”
Another one of his famous quotes tells us to take action despite uncertainty, because courage is built through doing, not waiting:
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
How did luck work for him? One fun fact is that his surname was originally spelled as Carnagey, but as people often mistook his last name as a connection to the famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie, he decided to change the spelling instead of correcting them.
He also relied on one of the early psychological approaches that behavior change precedes attitude change. By acting confidently, even if you don’t feel it yet, you train your brain to become more resilient to fear.
He wrote from experience, as he struggled with shyness himself. However, in the end, his public speeches inspired millions across the world, and his books motivate people to this day.
T. S. Eliot
The famous modernist poet had a slightly different take, one focused on self-exploration. The following quote shows you that taking chances can help you learn about the boundaries of human ability, although this can go in a bad direction too!
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
However, until you take the risk, you cannot know what you’re capable of.
Louis Pasteur
The famous chemist, pharmacist, and microbiologist saved countless lives by developing the germ theory of disease, the pasteurization process, and the rabies and anthrax vaccines. He also had an interesting approach to luck.
“Luck favors the prepared mind.”
So while chance plays a role, it takes a prepared and educated mind to notice and use the opportunity. Pasteur said this in 1854 to the newly established Faculty of Sciences at Lille, France. So if we learn and prepare, we are more likely to take control in situations when life rolls the dice on us. This applies not only in science but also in business and travel, where it helps to always bring a towel, and many other parts of life.
Helen Keller
Helen Keller, the American author, activist, and lecturer who overcame both blindness and deafness, talked about being lucky as being able to perceive opportunities, even when it seems there aren’t any.
“Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”
Her own experience is a testament to courage, resilience, and hard work in overcoming obstacles. With this quote, she shows us that focusing too much on setbacks can keep us from noticing chances. In other words, we need to keep an open mind and look for opportunities even in difficult situations.
J. R. R. Tolkien
The author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, who spent his youth in the trenches of World War I, emphasized the importance of hope in his work.
“Still round the corner there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.”
This quote emphasizes curiosity and the willingness to explore. Psychologically, it correlates with the trait of openness to experience. This is a core dimension of personality that describes our comfort with exploration, new experiences, and sensations, as well as the ability to leave our comfort zone. It is commonly seen in innovators, scientists, and creators of all kinds, and some studies suggest it leads to improved job performance.
Psychological Tips for Taking Chances
Taking chances doesn’t have to start with a big step. Instead, begin by taking small and low-risk chances to build confidence. Psychologists call this gradual exposure, and it helps you start believing in your success.
Another way to step out of your comfort zone is to focus on curiosity over fear. Think about what you can learn from a situation, and not what you can lose. Of course, as Pasteur would advise, prepare and learn so you can recognize and use a lucky opportunity.
