Life is full of surprises. Why is that always surprising?
When something happens people didn't predict, they find ways to explain it as if it were predictable.
Things unhoped for happen oftener than things we desire.
I hate to keep repeating my mantra, but, boy, there are things happening that we did not expect to happen in any way, shape, manner, or form.
We are living in a world in which developments are harder to predict and one that has become more uncertain. In such a world, you must be prepared for the unpredictable. Nobody predicted the fall of the Berlin Wall or the Arab Spring.
Four years ago, who ever thought this would have happened?
Surprises, like misfortunes, seldom come alone.
I have been trying to point out that in our lives chance may have an astonishing influence and, if I may offer advice to the young laboratory worker, it would be this-never neglect an extraordinary appearance or happening. It may be-usually is, in fact-a false alarm that leads to nothing, but may on the other hand be the clue provided by fate to lead you to some important advance.
The things I thought would happen didn't. Things I never anticipated unfolded.
Life is full of surprises, but never when you need one.
Surprises are like misfortunes or herrings - they rarely come single.
