[teddyh]

You are mostly correct, but the “Luck” factor has a hidden variable in it: The ability to see and notice when you are lucky, often called “optimism”. If you are pessimistic, you will not notice when a lucky break happens, and the opportunity will pass you by, but you will erroneously blame your lack of success to your lack of luck, not your pessimism.

[FollowingTheDao]

An optimist's life is still subject to roll of the dice. To say pessimist's do not notice luck is utterly foolish. In fact, I would say they cherish it more than the optimist who thinks thing swill always work out for the best.

I am neither optimist or pessimist. I only know that I should not use my luck to rule over the less lucky.

[darkerside]

Agree with this. Also luck is a multiplier, not summative.

Success = Hard work * Luck * Recognition of opportunity

[FollowingTheDao]

Success=100 * 0 * 100=ZERO

All your success depends on the luck you have. And luck is uncontrollable and unknowable, so nothing you do changes the chances of your success

[darkerside]

Well, yes. I phrased it that way intentionally. It can even be negative.

But, we always have a choice to play a different game, with different parameters. That's actually where the recognition of opportunity comes into play even more strongly.

[teddyh]

The chances of some specific person having absolutely zero luck is infinitesimally small. But many people believe themselves having no luck. Because pessimists are very common.