I believe in luck: how else can you explain the success of those you dislike?

Jean Cocteau’s quote, "I believe in luck: how else can you explain the success of those you dislike?" humorously explores the role of chance in life, particularly when it comes to the success of people one finds difficult or unworthy. Cocteau is commenting on the often frustrating experience of seeing people who seem undeserving or less capable achieve success, which leads him to conclude that luck must be at play. His statement implies that, at times, factors outside of hard work, skill, or merit—such as luck—can play a decisive role in who succeeds.

The quote suggests a skepticism about the fairness of success, especially when it seems to favor those who may not have worked as hard or are not as admirable. By invoking luck, Cocteau points out how random events or fortunate circumstances can sometimes determine outcomes, rather than pure effort or talent. This highlights the irrationality of life, where factors beyond our control can shape success in ways that may appear unfair or baffling.

Cocteau’s tone is somewhat cynical, reflecting his larger body of work, which often explored themes of irony, the complexity of human nature, and the unpredictable forces that govern life. The idea of luck as an explanation for success ties into the broader philosophical conversation about fate and randomness, challenging the notion that success is always the result of merit or deservedness.

Ultimately, the quote invites reflection on the nature of success and the forces that contribute to it. Cocteau’s witty observation encourages us to consider how much of our outcomes—whether in life or career—are influenced by factors beyond our control, such as luck, and how we often attribute these random successes to something less tangible when they happen to those we may not respect or understand.