John Dryden: 'It is madness to make fortune the mistress of events, because by herself she is nothing and is ruled by prudence.'
It is madness to make fortune the mistress of events, because by herself she is nothing and is ruled by prudence.
John Dryden's thought-provoking quote, "It is madness to make fortune the mistress of events, because by herself she is nothing and is ruled by prudence," invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between chance and human agency. At first glance, it suggests that relying solely on luck to shape the outcomes of our lives is futile, as fortune, by its very nature, is ephemeral and subject to the whims of circumstance. Instead, Dryden asserts that prudence, the exercise of careful and informed judgment, should guide our actions, ultimately shifting the balance of power away from fate and into the hands of the individual.This notion of prudence as a counterforce to fortune is not entirely unfamiliar to us. Throughout history, many philosophical, religious, and literary traditions have underscored the importance of personal responsibility and deliberation in navigating the tumultuous seas of life. The concept of "carpe diem," for example, encourages seizing the day and actively shaping one's own destiny, rather than passively surrendering to external forces. Similarly, the Stoics emphasized the cultivation of reason and self-control as a means to achieve tranquility, emphasizing the limited control we have over external events.But what if we consider a more radical perspective? What if fortune and prudence are not opposing forces, but rather two sides of the same coin? By venturing into the realm of unexpected philosophical concepts, we can explore the dynamic interplay between chance and reason, shedding light on the deeper complexities of human existence.One such notion that challenges the conventional binary view is that of existentialism. According to existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, life is filled with inherent uncertainty and absurdity. They argue that our existence precedes our essence, meaning that we are thrown into a chaotic and unpredictable world without any predetermined purpose or meaning. In this perspective, fortune takes on a new light – it becomes not just a capricious force to be tamed, but a fundamental aspect of our existence, intertwining with our choices and actions.To exemplify this, let us consider a fictional character named Amelia. Amelia, a hard-working and ambitious individual, spends years meticulously planning her career path to ensure she achieves success. However, despite her prudence and diligent efforts, she finds her dreams shattered due to unforeseen economic downturns beyond her control. In this scenario, fortune indeed plays a decisive role in Amelia's life, seemingly overshadowing the influence of prudence.Yet, from an existentialist perspective, the question arises: how does Amelia respond to this unexpected turn of events? Does she succumb to despair, feeling as though her efforts were ultimately in vain? Or does she find meaning and purpose in the face of adversity, accepting that fortune and prudence are intertwined elements of her existence? It is precisely in tragedies like Amelia's that the existentialist concept of finding meaning and purpose amidst the absurdity of life acquires relevance.As individuals navigate the complex tapestry of existence, it becomes evident that fortune and prudence are not mutually exclusive, but rather inextricably linked components. Embracing this perspective allows us to understand that while we cannot fully control external circumstances, we do have agency in determining our responses and attitudes towards them. In this synthesis, prudence becomes not a tool to deny fortune, but a means to make the most of it.In conclusion, John Dryden's quote sparks an exploration of the nuanced relationship between fortune and prudence. While initially highlighting the limitations of relying solely on luck, it ultimately points us towards a more profound understanding of the interplay between chance and human agency. By venturing into the realm of unexpected philosophical concepts, such as existentialism, we are encouraged to view Fortune and Prudence not as opposing forces but as two integral aspects of our existence. In doing so, we learn to navigate the complexities of life with both humility and a sense of purpose.