Theodore Dreiser. Titan (№ 194214)

There is, perhaps, peculiar though cruel charm that no one ever was given to foresee all the undercurrents and reefs, deviating from the intended path of our boat, to anticipate where you will turn capricious wind of luck - if he can blow our sails, or leave them lifeless to splash on masts. We build and build plans, but no matter how much you think, how can we allow at least one-half inch to their height? Who is able to expostulate or, conversely, to contribute to the Providence, which molds our destinies, although we have roughly, in their own way and trying to change them?