The quote "Good luck is a sham. True success requires sacrifice," from "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan emphasizes that relying on luck is an illusion. Instead of waiting for fortunate circumstances, true achievement stems from hard work and dedication. This perspective encourages readers to focus on their efforts rather than attributing success to chance.

In essence, the message highlights the importance of commitment and perseverance in the pursuit of goals. Success is often the result of making difficult choices and putting in the necessary effort, reinforcing the idea that genuine triumph is earned rather than given by fate.