In 1901,Hardy expressed the notion that "non-rationality seems.to be the [guiding] principle of the Universe." In all his fiction,chance is the incarnation of the blind forces controlling human destiny. ❖ In 1901, Hardy expressed the notion that “non-rationality seems. . .to be the [guiding] principle of the Universe.” ❖ In all his fiction, chance is the incarnation of the blind forces controlling human destiny