The quote “Fortuna smiles and frowns according to a timetable surprising even to herself” is a poetic way of expressing the unpredictable nature of luck or fortune. Fortuna, in Roman mythology, is the goddess of fortune and personification of luck. The phrase suggests that even she doesn’t know when good or bad luck will strike, indicating the arbitrary and capricious nature of fate.
The element of surprise in Fortuna’s timetable implies that life’s twists and turns are unforeseeable not just to us, but also to the very forces controlling them. It underlines how unpredictable life can be – one moment you’re on top, enjoying success (when Fortuna smiles), and the next moment you might be facing challenges (when she frowns). This uncertainty isn’t something we can fully grasp or control; it’s as surprising to us as it is to Fortuna herself.
Applying this idea in today’s world or personal development could mean several things. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and resilient because we never know what surprises life may throw at us. It encourages us not to rely too heavily on luck but instead make conscious efforts towards our goals while being prepared for any eventualities.
Secondly, it reminds us not to take our successes for granted nor get disheartened by failures too much since they are part-and-parcel of life’s unpredictability - they don’t necessarily reflect our abilities or worth.
Lastly, recognizing that everyone has their ups and downs could foster empathy towards others who might be going through difficult times – their ‘frowning’ phase according to Fortuna’s timetable – understanding that fortunes can change swiftly without warning.
In essence, this quote serves as a reminder about embracing uncertainty with grace while remaining committed towards personal growth irrespective of external circumstances which are often beyond our control.
