Wherefore the race being not to the swift, etc. but time and chance happening to all men, I leave the Judgement of the whole to the Candid, of whose correction I shall never be impatient.

In this quote, William Petty reflects on the unpredictability of life and the importance of chance in shaping outcomes. He references the idea that the race is not to the swift, meaning that success does not always go to the most capable or fastest individuals. Instead, it is influenced by time and chance, which affect everyone, regardless of their abilities. Petty acknowledges that, while people might judge or evaluate situations, he leaves the judgment of his actions to the candid—those who are fair and honest in their assessments—and expresses that he will not be impatient with their correction.

The meaning behind the quote speaks to the role of fate and circumstance in shaping one's life and achievements. Petty suggests that no matter how hard one works or how talented they are, external factors like chance play a significant role in determining success or failure. He also emphasizes the importance of accepting criticism and self-reflection, showing a willingness to learn from others’ evaluations without resistance.

The origin of the quote comes from William Petty, an English philosopher and economist of the 17th century, who was known for his contributions to the fields of political economy and statistics. Petty’s thinking often revolved around the idea that human behavior and success could not always be fully understood through individual effort or rational thought but were also shaped by broader, uncontrollable forces like time and circumstance.

Ultimately, Petty’s words reflect a humble acceptance of the unpredictability of life. They convey a sense of resignation to the fact that not everything can be controlled, and that judgment and correction from others, especially those who approach situations with fairness, are an important part of personal growth.