All archives
Previous Issue (4 May 2009) | Current month | Next Issue (6 May 2009)
Quotes of the Day for 5 May 2009 – Odds
A struggle against overwhelming odds took place at Puebla, Mexico on this day in 1862. A ragtag militia of 4,700 poorly equipped and inadequately trained Mexicans met a crack French force of 7,200 - and won. They ended up losing the war, but they prevailed that day. I understand that Cinco de Mayo isn't an important holiday in Mexico, but all the Mexican beers were on sale at the grocer's this weekend, not to mention extra limes in the produce department. And if you think about driving home after a few tequilas celebrating that famous battle, don't: I can't face the odds of losing a reader. Here are some quotes on facing the Odds.
The quotes:
Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes the furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.
- Dale Carnegie, 1888 - 1955
It may be that the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong - but that's the way to bet.
- Damon Runyon, 1884 - 1946
To fail is a natural consequence of trying, To succeed takes time and prolonged effort in the face of unfriendly odds. To think it will be any other way, no matter what you do, is to invite yourself to be hurt and to limit your enthusiasm for trying again
- David Viscott
Chance favors those in motion.
- James H. Austin
War is the province of chance. In no other sphere of human activity must such a margin be left for this intruder. It increases the uncertainty of every circumstance and deranges the course of events.
- Karl von Clausewitz, 1780 - 1831
You should never bet against anything in science at odds of more than about 1012 to 1.
- Ernest Rutherford, 1871 - 1937
Do you see an error on this page? A typo, a character that is messed up, a misattribution? Please let us know!
