In Ian McEwan's "The Children Act," the quote highlights the role of chance in shaping our lives. It emphasizes how fortunate circumstances, such as having a healthy body and kind parents, can influence one's ability to live virtuously. Being born into a stable environment significantly impacts a person's moral choices and opportunities in life.

The assertion reflects on the unfairness of life; some individuals face hardships like war and poverty, while others are granted privilege. This disparity suggests that virtue and morality can be easier to achieve for those with favorable conditions, underscoring the complex interplay between luck and ethics in human existence.