"Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Is luck just a coincidence, or does our attitude have anything to do with attracting good luck?

Some people claim that luck is an illusion; they hold on tight to the idea that preparation is better than counting on luck. The Emerson quote seems to confirm that notion. Is luck nothing more than what we rely upon when we don't prepare, therefore we embrace a very passive attitude? Maybe. But it is also possible that above all preparation, planning, visualization, goal setting etc, we need to show up for life as it happens and be open to the 'miracle' of unexpected results. True, intentionality leads to results, as part of the cause and effect of karmic law. Maybe we get results in life when we take responsibility for ourselves as life unfolds. It is evident that we can’t control the events of life, but we can show up present to them, gather information from them, then make meaningful decisions in the moment. Not showing up for the present moment distracts us and make us vulnerable to the whims or plans of others. We then celebrate good luck or blame bad luck for things.