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.

See also:

Accident of birth

Accidentally on purpose

An accident waiting to happen