The phrase can be inspirational and encouraging when it comes t pushing someone to do their best or to take a needed chance. It can be used among friends, family members, close colleagues, and even in more formal situations.

It’s possible to use “fortune favors the bold” in a wide variety of situations. It appears on family crests as slogans for teams, businesses, and more. Today, iterations of the phrase can be found around the world. They include:Īnother famous iteration of the phrase is found in the works of Pliny the Younger, who quotes his uncle, Pliny the Elder, as using the phrase when he went to Pompeii to investigate the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. There are several different versions of the phrase. It also features in the works of Virgil and other Roman poets and playwrights. The proverb appeared in his play, Phormio. He was a Roman African playwright who worked during the Roman Republic. It exists in slightly different forms but dates back to at least 170-160 BC with the production of Terence or Publius Terentius Afer’s plays.

The phrase “fortune favors the bold” is an old one. People who embody these character traits are more interesting (in the realm of the proverb) and therefore more likely to succeed under Fortune’s grace. This is likely related to their strength, courage, and willingness to take chances. Those who are bold, the proverb suggests, are more likely to be chosen.

By looking out over the world and everyone’s actions, Fortune can see who it wants to bless. The proverb mentions “Fortune,” personifying the force as though it’s a real force in the world with the ability to choose who it wants to favor. It suggests that by acting boldly or without hesitation, one is more likely to succeed. “Fortune favors the bold” is one of a few English translations of a Latin proverb.

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Fortune favors the brave saying