The power of fortune is confessed only by the miserable, for the happy impute all their success to prudence or merit

The power of fortune is confessed only by the miserable, for the happy impute all their success to prudence or merit

Jonathan Swift, the renowned satirist and author of works such as "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal," was no stranger to the concept of fortune and its influence on human lives. In his writings, Swift often explored the themes of luck, fate, and the arbitrary nature of success. The quote, "The power of fortune is confessed only by the miserable, for the happy impute all their success to prudence or merit," perfectly encapsulates Swift's views on the subject.

Swift believed that those who are successful and happy tend to attribute their achievements to their own abilities and hard work, rather than acknowledging the role that luck and chance play in their lives. This can be seen in his satirical works, where he often skewers the self-righteous and self-satisfied members of society who believe that their success is solely a result of their own merit.

On the other hand, Swift suggests that those who are miserable and downtrodden are more likely to recognize the influence of fortune on their lives. They are acutely aware of the role that luck plays in determining their circumstances, and are more likely to attribute their misfortunes to external factors beyond their control.