"J'en suis venu il y a longtemps à la conclusion que toute vie est une chance sur deux contre."

The essence of this quote is that life, by its very nature, is challenging and often set up in a way that the odds are not in our favor. It’s a way of acknowledging that the struggle and the difficulties we face aren’t unusual—they’re expected. Life is a series of bets, and the house usually has the upper hand.

This idea comes from the realm of gambling, where odds like "6 to 5 against" indicate a slight disadvantage. Damon Runyon, a writer known for his works about the world of gamblers, hustlers, and actors in New York City, probably coined this phrase. Runyon was familiar with the idea that, more often than not, the game isn't stacked in our favor. But despite the odds, people continue to play—because sometimes you win, and when you do, it feels incredible.

Think about a time when you really wanted something. Maybe you were applying for your dream job. You knew there were hundreds of applicants, and the chances of landing it were slim. But you applied anyway, right? That’s what this quote is about. Understanding that while the odds are tough, it doesn't mean you shouldn’t try. It’s about the resilience and the hope that keeps us moving forward, betting on ourselves.

One way to apply this wisdom in everyday life is by embracing resilience. When you know that difficulties are part of the game, you’re less likely to be discouraged when things don’t go your way. Imagine you’re training for a marathon. You know it’s going to be grueling—there will be times when you feel like giving up, times when you think you can’t possibly make it. But if you go into it knowing that it will be tough, you can prepare yourself mentally. You can tell yourself, "This is part of the process, and I’m ready for it."

To make this even more relatable, consider the story of Thomas Edison. He famously said he didn’t fail 10,000 times when creating the lightbulb; he just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work. Imagine being in his shoes, facing failure after failure. It’s easy to give up when it feels like the universe is against you. But Edison didn’t—he kept going, understanding that each failed attempt was just another step closer to success.

So, when you find yourself in a situation where the odds seem stacked against you, remember that this is a universal experience. You're not alone, and it's not a sign that you're on the wrong path. It’s a part of the journey. Keep pushing, keep striving, and remember that the challenges make the victories even sweeter.

Life isn't always fair, and the odds can feel insurmountable. But that’s what makes it so rewarding when you do succeed. So next time you face a tough situation, think of it as a bet you’re placing on yourself. The odds might be against you—but that doesn't mean you can’t win.