Fortune, Chance, and Human Choice

Around the World in Eighty Days

This flow traces the changing balance between luck and deliberate action, showing how fortunate openings matter only when people act on them.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Unforeseen Denied The Unforeseen Denied from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Unforeseen Denied A bold proposition Fogg declares that the unforeseen does not exist, treating every obstacle as something a sound plan can absorb.

The Unforeseen Denied from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Unforeseen Denied A bold proposition Fogg declares that the unforeseen does not exist, treating every obstacle as something a sound plan can absorb.

The Unforeseen Denied A bold proposition Fogg declares that the unforeseen does not exist, treating every obstacle as something a sound plan can absorb. His companions point to weather, accidents, and broken connections. Confidence tested The wager turns an abstract belief into a public challenge. The journey will reveal that good calculation cannot guarantee control.

A Fortunate Railway Gap A Fortunate Railway Gap from "Around the World in Eighty Days". A Fortunate Railway Gap A failure opens a route The unfinished railway forces the party to find other transport.

A Fortunate Railway Gap from "Around the World in Eighty Days". A Fortunate Railway Gap A failure opens a route The unfinished railway forces the party to find other transport.

A Fortunate Railway Gap A failure opens a route The unfinished railway forces the party to find other transport. What looks like a simple setback gives Passepartout an opportunity to discover the elephant. Chance needs action Fogg’s money and willingness to adapt turn the discovery into forward movement. Fortune supplies a possibility, not a completed solution.

The Pyre’s Deception The Pyre’s Deception from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Pyre’s Deception A sudden opening The attempted temple entry fails, and the rescue appears impossible.

The Pyre’s Deception from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Pyre’s Deception A sudden opening The attempted temple entry fails, and the rescue appears impossible.

The Pyre’s Deception A sudden opening The attempted temple entry fails, and the rescue appears impossible. Passepartout’s unexpected disguise creates a moment when the crowd can be deceived. Courage converts luck The escape succeeds because Passepartout acts decisively and the others are ready to flee. The outcome supports the idea that fortune favors the brave without making success certain.

The Delayed Steamer The Delayed Steamer from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Delayed Steamer An accidental reprieve A boiler repair delays the Yokohama steamer, preserving Fogg’s connection after the Rangoon arrives late.

The Delayed Steamer from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Delayed Steamer An accidental reprieve A boiler repair delays the Yokohama steamer, preserving Fogg’s connection after the Rangoon arrives late.

The Delayed Steamer An accidental reprieve A boiler repair delays the Yokohama steamer, preserving Fogg’s connection after the Rangoon arrives late. The schedule survives because of a circumstance no traveler arranged. Preparation meets luck Fogg can benefit only because he reaches Hong Kong and immediately seeks alternatives. A fortunate delay matters because his party is ready to use it.

The Date’s Final Gift The Date’s Final Gift from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Date’s Final Gift A hidden advantage Fogg’s eastward journey has given him an extra calendar day, though he does not know it.

The Date’s Final Gift from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Date’s Final Gift A hidden advantage Fogg’s eastward journey has given him an extra calendar day, though he does not know it.

The Date’s Final Gift A hidden advantage Fogg’s eastward journey has given him an extra calendar day, though he does not know it. When he believes the wager lost, the actual deadline remains open. Discovery completes the journey Passepartout identifies the discrepancy and acts at once. Chance supplies the day; human attention turns it into victory.

2 October, Reform Club

22 October, Kholby

24 October, at dawn

6 November, Hong Kong

21 December, London