Who said, “It’s hard to detect good luck — it looks so much like something you’ve earned.”?

Frank A. Clark, an American lawyer and politician who served in public and private practice, said, “It’s hard to detect good luck — it looks so much like something you’ve earned.” This is a phrase that prudent men have interpreted to mean that success has more to do with careful planning and persistence than being just plain lucky. Experts examining human behavior are confident that Clark was suggesting that there is no such thing as ‘luck’, but simply that good things come to people who work very hard.

Smart people tell us that they have learned how to carefully analyze a prospective situation. They look and find good opportunities for success. By conducting necessary due diligence, good things will happen and often a business deal, which works for everyone, is closed. All proper checklists, surveys, reports, inspections, appraisals, etc. are considered by any and all diligent people. In other words: "hard work pays off". Appreciation, recognition, awards, money, position, title, promotions, etc. are benefits that people receive. These things happen notwithstanding any type of luck, according to people like Frank A. Clark.

Clark (1860 – 1936) was born in Eufaula, Barbour County, Alabama. He attended several common schools in Alabama and Georgia; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1881; and commenced practice in Newnan, Coweta County, Georgia. He moved to Florida in 1884. He served in congressional jobs, public service, and private practice until his death.