The Role of Luck -- Thoughts on a Birthday

The Role of Luck -- Thoughts on a Birthday

There's a lot of luck in life.

The longer I live -- Aug. 2 was my birthday -- the more I come to realize how much of life is affected by luck.

Let's begin with life itself. Whether one lives to 62 -- or to 92 (my father's age) -- and whether in health or in sickness is largely a matter of luck.

I strongly believe in taking care of one's health, but for most people, living long and in good health is a matter of good luck.

My wife's sister died of cancer at 35. The brother of my...