“The Thin Line Between Worlds: A Chance Encounter in Cork and Reflections on Privilege”

As human beings, we love to believe that our successes and accomplishments are a result of our hard work, determination, and merit. We often take pride in our homes, possessions, and careers, and assume that we have earned them through our own efforts. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that luck and circumstance play a much larger role in our lives than we may realize. While we may work tirelessly to achieve our goals, it is often a combination of random events and factors outside of our control that determine the course of our lives. In this article, we will explore the concept of luck and how it shapes our experiences, challenging the idea that our lives are solely a result of our own actions.


In Cork, I was seeking coffee early in the morning to wake me up. Although I am a tea drinker, I have developed a habit of having coffee after breakfast. A young man approached me, and while it took me a few seconds to comprehend what he wanted to ask, I realized he exhibited signs of addiction and mental illness. He told me he needed to contact his girlfriend and handed me a roll of American dollars while showing me a number written on a piece of cardboard. Despite my hesitations, I handed him my phone, but we couldn’t make sense of the number. He walked away, and I continued my day, interviewing James Leonard, who was once a hardcore drug addict but has since reformed and turned his life around. It’s easy to believe that our lives are well-deserved, yet perhaps it’s just blind luck that has led us to where we are today.


In conclusion, while we may like to think that our success is solely due to our own merit, it is important to recognize the role that luck plays in our lives. It is easy to take our blessings for granted and forget that not everyone has access to the same opportunities. By acknowledging the role of luck, we can cultivate gratitude, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. So, the next time you find yourself feeling grateful for your house and job, take a moment to remember how fortunate you truly are. And perhaps use that gratitude as motivation to create opportunities for others who may not have been as lucky.