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Originally Posted by latepaul
I guess I'm old enough to have a little of those type of values instilled in me, and even though I am a bookish computer programmer with no aptitude for anything outdoorsy, I am fascinated by the Old Man's thoughts. It's interesting for example that on his way out, he thinks,
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It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.
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It seems to me that the quote you cite is a perfect example of computer programming as well. Though "lucky" could perhaps be replaced by "inspired". Being prepared and exact leads to good code and the ability when you get "in the zone" to crank out good code, fast.
It also works for writing -- I've written enough books (>35) to know that when I get inspired, I can write 15-20 pages a day. But only when I've done the preparation and only because I've honed my skills over those 3 dozen books to know exactly how to describe a sequence of steps to both satisfy my editors, and ensure that the end-user can successfully follow them.
Santiago knew it was good to be lucky, but he also knew that it took preparation and skill to be able to respond to that luck and take proper advantage of it.