Fortune favors the bold means that taking risks and being courageous can bring you success, good luck, or whatever equivalent you’re after in your treasure hunt of life. Is it the same as fortune favors the brave? Yes! It’s pretty much the same thing.
The Latin scholars out there might know the phrase as fortis fortuna adiuvat. Translated, it literally means fortune helps the strong. Proverbs like this one serve as little nuggets of wisdom that can inform our actions. But understanding proverbs is so important if you plan to use them. So, before you do, learn about the meaning, usage, and origins of fortune favors the bold and its brave sibling. Carpe Diem, anyone?
Who Said The “Fortune Favors the Bold” Quote?
Virgil is the Roman poet who said the Latin proverb, “audentis fortuna iuvat.” It means “fortune favors the bold.” It is a more precise and literal variation of Terence’s quote, “fortis fortuna adiuvat,” which means fortune favors the brave. “Adiuvat” means “helps” or “aids” instead of “favor.”
Origin of the Phrase
The quote, “fortune favors the bold,” is the English version of several Latin proverbs. These proverbs existed in varying versions yet had similar meanings. The earliest use of the phrase is during the ancient times when a roman playwright, Terence, used it for his play.
Terence or Publius Terentius wrote the play entitled Phormio (161 BC). One of the proverbial phrases in Act 1 was “fortis fortuna adiuvat.” “Fortis” or “fortes” stands for “brave,” while “fortuna” means “fortune.” However, “adiuvat” refers to “help” or “aid” rather than “favor.”
You might find the Latin quote familiar because it was John Wick’s tattoo on his back. In the first movie entitled John Wick, a few seconds showed his huge tattoo while showering.
Many give credit to Terence for the quote, “fortune favors the brave,” but it’s not the literal English translation of what he wrote. “Fortis fortuna adiuvat” means “fortune helps the brave,” which is far from “favoring” in the sense of preferring a person.
Later Usage
Later on, the Roman poet Virgil worded out the phrase better, saying, “audentes Fortuna iuvat.” Here, Fortuna has a capital F because it is the name of the goddess of luck. This Latin version is translated as “Fortune favors the bold,” Fortune being the personification of luck.
Fortune favors the bold or brave was also used in other places. Pliny the Younger quoted Pliny the Elder by saying, “fortune favors the brave” before studying the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Louis Pasteur was a French microbiologist who said, “In the fields of observation, chances favors only the prepared mind.”
Alternative Ways to Say this Phrase
There were already several versions of “fortune favors the bold,” such as Terence’s and Virgil’s during the ancient period. Over time, the list of alternatives has grown from “fortune favors the brave” to “fate favors the bold” and “God favors the bold.”
Another well-known saying is “fortune comes to those who are brave enough to ask.” It means that you can quickly receive fortune if you are courageous enough to “ask.” Another faith-related saying is that “God favors the bold,” which is a Christian worship song.
Perhaps you’re looking for a more casual way of saying fortune favors the bold or brave. Try “those who are willing to take a risk are often highly rewarded.”
One of the most common translations of “audaces fortuna iuvat” is “bravery is oftentimes rewarded.” The sentence has the same meaning but focuses on “bravery” instead of “fortune.”
Meaning of the Phrase
“Fortune favors the bold” is a proverb that means there are great rewards for someone who takes risks. Brave individuals who aren’t afraid of loss or failure reap an abundant fortune.
Proverbs are short yet famous sayings that are frequently inspirational. You’ll find them in poems, novels, and epics, giving valuable and wise advice. Some examples of proverbs include “a stitch in time saves 9” and “Heaven helps those who help themselves.”
Some proverbs become the inspiration for book titles. But others have a title that is twisted or an anti-proverb. There are also sayings with a significant role in poetry. “Fortune favors the bold” is one of them, along with many Libyan proverbs by Eliza Griswold.
Examples on How to Use the Phrase
“Fortune favors the bold” is a motivation to be daring when making decisions.
Use the quote to encourage someone or yourself to take a chance or get out of your comfort zone. For example, you see a friend getting anxious about an upcoming class debate. You may comfort them by saying, “fortune favors the bold” to boost their confidence.
You’ll often see this slogan in military organizations or on the family coat of arms. Some also use the quote on social media posts to wish someone good luck before a test or competition.
What Does it Imply?
The phrase “fortune favors the bold” implies that action and luck go hand in hand. You can’t be successful if you don’t make bold decisions. Either you need to be confident or do something ground-breaking so that luck will come your way.
“Fortune favors the brave” may have a slightly different implication. It may mean that you can’t be successful if you are afraid of failure, change, or challenges.
In short, you need to act bravely or boldly to increase your chances of getting the outcome you want. Contrary to popular belief, the saying shows that one cannot be fortunate “by chance.” It takes excellent skills and values for fortune to favor you.
Whatever version you like better, the meanings are almost the same. Use it in life, career, sports, and any relevant situation!
Here are some sentence examples:
- He would have been married to his soulmate if he were brave. Fortune favors the bold.
- If fortune favors the bold, why do I feel like I’m experiencing bad luck?
- Fortune favors the bold, so don’t be afraid to set your boundaries!
- Fortune favors the bold but have you weighed the pros and cons of your choice?
Trends
Here you can see the usage over the years in both American and British English:
Fortune Favors You!
Luck may or may not approach you now that you know the meaning of the saying, fortune favors the bold or brave! “Fortune favors the bold” and “fortune favors the brave” are two versions of the ancient proverbs by Terence and Virgil.
Use the adage to remind yourself and other people that taking risks will lead to success. It’s a piece of motivational advice that will keep you determined and courageous.