Chance and Luck

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, New Age, History, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book Chance and Luck by Richard Proctor, Library of Alexandria
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard Proctor ISBN: 9781465514714
Publisher: Library of Alexandria Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Richard Proctor
ISBN: 9781465514714
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English
The false ideas prevalent among all classes of the community, cultured as well as uncultured, respecting chance and luck, illustrate the truth that common consent (in matters outside the influence of authority) argues almost of necessity error. This, by the way, might be proved by the method of probabilities. For if, in any question of difficulty, the chance that an average mind will miss the correct opinion is but one-half—and this is much underrating the chance of error—the probability that the larger proportion of a community numbering many millions will judge rightly on any such question is but as one in many millions of millions of millions. (Those who are too ready to appeal to the argument from common consent, and on the strength of it sometimes to denounce or even afflict their fellow men, should take this fact—for it is fact, not opinion—very thoughtfully to heart.) I cannot hope, then, since authority has never been at the pains to pronounce definitely on such questions respecting luck and chance as are dealt with here, that common opinion, which is proclaimed constantly and loudly in favour of faith in luck, will readily accept the teachings I have advanced, though they be but the common-place of science in regard to the dependence of what is commonly called luck, strictly, and in the long run, uniformly, on law. The gambling fraternity will continue to proclaim their belief in luck (though those who have proved successful among them have by no means trusted to it), and the community on whom they prey will, for the most part, continue to submit to the process of plucking, in full belief that they are on their way to fortune.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
The false ideas prevalent among all classes of the community, cultured as well as uncultured, respecting chance and luck, illustrate the truth that common consent (in matters outside the influence of authority) argues almost of necessity error. This, by the way, might be proved by the method of probabilities. For if, in any question of difficulty, the chance that an average mind will miss the correct opinion is but one-half—and this is much underrating the chance of error—the probability that the larger proportion of a community numbering many millions will judge rightly on any such question is but as one in many millions of millions of millions. (Those who are too ready to appeal to the argument from common consent, and on the strength of it sometimes to denounce or even afflict their fellow men, should take this fact—for it is fact, not opinion—very thoughtfully to heart.) I cannot hope, then, since authority has never been at the pains to pronounce definitely on such questions respecting luck and chance as are dealt with here, that common opinion, which is proclaimed constantly and loudly in favour of faith in luck, will readily accept the teachings I have advanced, though they be but the common-place of science in regard to the dependence of what is commonly called luck, strictly, and in the long run, uniformly, on law. The gambling fraternity will continue to proclaim their belief in luck (though those who have proved successful among them have by no means trusted to it), and the community on whom they prey will, for the most part, continue to submit to the process of plucking, in full belief that they are on their way to fortune.

More books from Library of Alexandria

Cover of the book Our Little Cuban Cousin by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Mediaeval Socialism by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The Bookbinder of Hort by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The Broken Font: A Story of the Civil War (Complete) by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Het Nieuwe Leven (La Vita Nuova) by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Fires of St. John: A Drama in Four Acts by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book A Literary and Historical Atlas of Asia by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book An Essay on the Antient and Modern State of Ireland by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Assassination of Lincoln: A History of the Great Conspiracy Trial of the Conspirators by a Military Commission and a Review of the Trial of John H. Surratt by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The New Education: A Review of Progressive Educational Movements of the Day (1915) by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The American Egypt: A Record of Travel in Yucatan by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Il Comento Alla Divina Commedia, E Gli Altri Scritti Intorno a Dante, Vol. 1 by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The Principles of Chemistry (Complete) by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Stoneheart: A Romance by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Life Movements in Plants, Volume II, 1919 by Richard Proctor
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy