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 Women of Early Christianity by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book A Castle in Spain: A Novel by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book I, Thou, and the Other One: A Love Story by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The Story of Red Feather: A Tale of the American Frontier by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The Martyrs of Science: The Lives of Galileo, Tycho Brahe, and Kepler by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Lendas E Narrativas (Complete) by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Private Sex Advice to Women For Young Wives and those who Expect to be Married by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The Treasury of Ancient Egypt by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book A Trip to Manitoba by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Things Japanese: Being Notes on Various Subjects Connected with Japan for the Use of Travellers and Others by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Bunyip Land: A Story of Adventure in New Guinea by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book My Adventures During the Late War: A Narrative of Shipwreck, Captivity, Escapes from French Prisons, and Sea Service in 1804-14 by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book L'Abbe Constantin (Complete) by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book Manasseh: A Romance of Transylvania by Richard Proctor
Cover of the book The Christian Sabbath: Is It of Divine Origin? 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