Origin
It is a Latin proverb traditionally attributed to Terence (c. 190-159 B.C.). The first recorded use of this ancient proverb was in the play Phormio (161 B.C.), written by Publius terentius afer, the Roman playwright known as Terence for short. It’s a common translation of the Latin phrase “fortisfortunaadiuvat,” which is spoken by a character in Act 1 of Phormio.
Explanation
The proverb means that a man cannot accomplish a great thing without taking risks. All men cannot take risks. Taking risks means that we must be prepared to face difficulties. We must give up the hope of envying peace, happiness and comfort of an easy-going life. Bold men with firm determination to attain success can take risks. Cowards can never take risks. So we find that in business only enterprising men succeed. Wealth is meant for them and not for weak-minded men. It is true in every walk of life. Columbus took risks and discovered America. Some men are overcautious. They do not take risks in anything. Fortune or prosperity is something that always favours the bold. Although fortune is said to be blind, with no distinction between the good and the bad, the wise and the foolish and the brave and the cowardly, fortune mainly favours those who are bold enough to take up some venture. In horse races fortune favours only those who are willing to stake their money. Those who do not stake their money remain outside. Similarly, luck falls mostly on those people who seek it out. Fortune comes not to those who rarely seek it. Only an ardent wisher of fortune can have it. If we just sit and wish for luck, it will not happen. Only if we try something worthwhile which needs luck, shall we have fortune. Fortune in the broad sense is not mere money. It can be prosperity, success, fame or anything. There are many situations in life that need luck. We should keep up hope that something lucky will happen in times of peril and distress. If we lose heart, we are unknowingly blocking fortune out. Only bold people can have access to fortune.
Examples
Fortune favours the bold, Bob. Quit your day job and work on your novel full-time.
Jill : Let’s wait till next year before trying to start our own business.
Jane: No. We’ll do it this year. Fortune favours the brave.
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