... it was luck, dumb luck, that had put them each where they were, and the best way to pay for any luck, however temporary, was just to be helpful when you could.
In the narrative of "Inherent Vice" by Thomas Pynchon, characters reflect on the role of chance in their lives. They come to realize that their current circumstances are largely a result of random fortune, which they describe as "dumb luck." This acknowledgment suggests a sense of humility regarding their successes and situations.
Furthermore, the characters believe that with luck comes responsibility. They conclude that the best way to honor this fortune is by being helpful to others whenever possible. This theme emphasizes the importance of kindness and support in a world influenced by randomness and uncertainty.
