“A resolution that is communicated is no longer within thy power; thy attentions become now the plaything of chance; he who would have his commands certainly carried out must take man by surprise.” MenChanceAttentionSurpriseCommandResolutionSecrecy Author:Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“How do you calculate upon the unforeseen? It seems to be an art of recognizing the role of the unforeseen, of keeping your balance amid surprises, of collaborating with chance, of recognizing that there are some essential mysteries in the world and thereby a limit to calculation, to plan, to control. To calculate on the unforeseen is perhaps exactly the paradoxical operation that life most requires of us.” WorldArtSeemsChanceRolesPlansMysteryBalanceLimitsEssentialsSurpriseOperationsRecognizingCalculationsParadoxicalCollaboratingUnforeseen Author:Rebecca Solnit
“Chance is the nature of our universe. [...] madness represents a chaotic reservoir of surprises. Some surprises can be valuable.” UniverseChanceMadnessSurpriseValuableChances AreChaoticReservoirs Author:Frank Herbert
“I'm enjoying everything in my life, but I think the element of surprise in show business is what makes us really love it, because one day you're sitting by the phone waiting to do something or not doing anything, and the next day you've got the chance of a lifetime. Those little phone calls don't come up so often, but when they come up, it's fantastic.” ThinkingLittlesShowsNextWaitingEnjoyChanceOne DayElementsSittingSurpriseLifetimePhonesCome UpFantasticNext DayShow BusinessPhone CallsElement Of Surprise Author:Elton John
“In the armed forces, the chances of success are quite high. That's due to the clarity of the military structure - everything is sketched out. In politics, there are many more surprises and detours, and it's a lot more unpredictable.” ForceChanceMilitaryStructureSurpriseDuesClarityUnpredictableArmed ForcesDetours Author:Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
“You surprise yourself on some balls off the bat. You don't think you have a chance to catch it. And then your natural ability just takes over.” ThinkingNaturalChanceAbilityBallsSurpriseBatsNatural Ability Author:Mike Trout