“Fortune favours the brave” is the proverb that has urged people to take their chances since ancient Rome. Here is what it means, where it comes from, how to use it, and a few sayings that share its courage.
What Does “Fortune Favours the Brave” Mean?
The proverb means that good luck and success tend to come to those who act with courage and boldness, rather than to those who hold back out of fear. By daring to take a risk — to speak up, to step forward, to attempt the difficult thing — you give fortune the chance to reward you. The timid, who never try, give luck nothing to work with. It is one of the great rallying cries for taking a brave leap.
Origin of the Proverb
The saying comes straight from ancient Rome. The Latin “fortes fortuna adiuvat” — “fortune favours the brave” — appears in the comedy Phormio by the playwright Terence in 161 BC, and the poet Virgil gave it its most famous form, “audentes fortuna iuvat,” in the Aeneid. The historian Pliny the Younger even records his uncle, Pliny the Elder, quoting the line as he bravely sailed toward the erupting Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Two thousand years on, it still spurs people to be bold.
Examples in a Sentence
- “She invested early when others hesitated — fortune favours the brave.”
- “Ask for the promotion; fortune favours the brave.”
- “They launched the bold plan and it paid off. Fortune favours the brave.”
Similar Proverbs
- Nothing ventured, nothing gained — you must take a risk to win a reward.
- Faint heart never won fair lady — timidity wins nothing worth having.
- He who doesn’t take risks never drinks champagne — the Russian version of the same idea.
- Who dares, wins — boldness brings success.
For more sayings about courage and reward, see our motivational proverbs and the full library of proverbs and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fortune favours the brave” mean?
It means that luck and success tend to come to those who act boldly and take risks, rather than to those who hold back out of fear.
Where does the proverb come from?
It is ancient Latin — “fortes fortuna adiuvat” appears in Terence (161 BC) and Virgil’s Aeneid, and Pliny the Elder is said to have quoted it sailing toward Vesuvius in AD 79.
What is a similar proverb?
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained” and “who dares, wins” share the same encouragement to act with courage.