The Truth About Luck

: Does It Really Exist

Seoul National University of Science and Technology

Department of Environmental Engineering

Yeonjin Yu

 Do you believe that luck exists? Words and phrases like ‘luckily’, ‘wish for luck’, and ‘fingers crossed’ frequently appear in our daily lives, demonstrating our belief in luck. We also encounter objects representing luck like talismans. We buy or make these charms when we wish for good fortune in important events, such as examinations. I remember buying one myself when I was a high school student, hoping for good luck on tests. Rationally, we know that exam results depend on how hard we've studied, but we still wish for a bit of extra help.

 Luck. What a subjective word! The meaning of “luck” is so abstract that it’s hard to define this four-letter term. What might people say if asked? Some might say it means ‘winning the lottery,’ while others may think of it as ‘unexpected happiness.’. I became curious about the exact meaning of luck, so I googled “what is luck?”. The answer I found was, “Luck is the phenomenon and belief that defines the experience of improbable events, especially improbably positive or negative ones.” The word improbable seems key to understanding the essence of luck. This brings to mind a moment when I felt touched by luck.

 My first experience with the reality of luck came through life itself. Think about exams, like Korea's National College Entrance Exam, or suneung. I pushed myself hard to get a good grade but didn’t reach the level I aimed for. However, as you may know, the test questions are multiple-choice, allowing for random answers when you’re unsure. In these instances, I wished for luck, and in a few subjects, I’m convinced that luck was on my side. This shows that we can glimpse luck in various parts of our lives.

 Yet, my belief in luck's influence has faded over time. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that luck no longer has the same power it seemed to have before. Love is a good example. Love might seem uncontrollable; we cannot choose not to fall for someone. But when it comes to maintaining a relationship, effort is what truly matters. You have to be attentive to your partner and show dedication. Without effort, a relationship will likely falter. Even if it feels like love depends on luck, in reality, it doesn’t. Some might call a failed relationship bad luck, but I think it's less about luck than we imagine.

 So, is luck connected to one’s will? Does it rely entirely on uncontrollable factors? In my opinion, luck is often linked to our intentions. There’s a saying, “Good luck follows those who are prepared.”. This implies that someone willing to work hard is more likely to encounter luck. Luck favors those who strive for their goals. People who are dedicated and desperate to achieve something are the ones who finally catch a glimpse of luck.

 Reflecting on my experience as an exchange student, I always dreamed of studying abroad. If I’d only daydreamed without acting, I’d never have achieved that goal. Instead, I took a different approach. I set my goals and worked to reach them. I needed a good score on English tests, so I surrounded myself with English by watching reality shows and listening to music in English rather than Korean. With this effort, I managed to score well on the TOEIC exam, even on my first attempt. Although I failed my first application to study abroad, I didn’t give up. I applied again and finally succeeded, realizing the truth of the saying, “Luck favors the prepared.”.

 However, there is also luck outside our control. We can find ourselves in circumstances we didn’t choose. Consider your parents. Did you choose them? No, they simply happened to be yours. What about the people around you? We don’t plan to meet specific people by chance; they appear in our lives unplanned. We might become best friends with some and remain strangers with others.

 Based on all of this, I define luck as “everything that happens in my life.”. It’s inseparable from us. Whether influenced by our will or not, luck is embedded in life. It can be good or bad, but it appears in various ways, and we should embrace it with an open mind.

 Luck is so deeply rooted in life that I often overlook the beautiful luck I already have. Even if unintended, I’ve gained things I truly appreciate. I have supportive parents, wonderful friends who stand by me, the chance to attend this great university, and a completed exchange program. I have overlooked showing gratitude for what I already possess. I am lucky to live this wonderful life.

 Take it all with open arms.

Let luck flow into your life.

And don’t forget to show appreciation for the luck you have.