What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Accidents will happen’?
This proverb has been overtaken by the more vulgar 20th century ‘s*** happens’. The original has its origins in the 18th century, as in John Muller’s A treatise containing the practical part of fortification, 1755:
But, notwithstanding all human precautions that can be taken, yet accidents will happen.
Charles Dickens took up the thought a century or so later, with this the most well known expression of the proverb, in The personal history of David Copperfield, 1850:
‘My dear friend Copperfield,’ said Mr. Micawber, ‘accidents will occur in the best-regulated families; and in families not regulated by that pervading influence which sanctifies while it enhances the - a - I would say, in short, by the influence of Woman, in the lofty character of Wife, they may be expected with confidence, and must be borne with philosophy.
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