It is harder to fail than to succeed. — William M. Thackeray
—What lingers after this line?
Perseverance in Adversity
This quote suggests that failing requires enduring emotional and mental challenges that can be more exhausting than the effort needed to succeed. It highlights the resilience required when facing repeated setbacks.
Emotional Impact of Failure
Failure often comes with feelings of disappointment, regret, and self-doubt. These emotional burdens can make the experience of failing harder to bear than the challenges associated with pursuing success.
Motivation to Succeed
Thackeray could be implying that striving for success provides a sense of purpose and momentum. Failing, meanwhile, can drain motivation and make it harder to push forward.
Perspective on Effort
The quote might also suggest that the energy spent coping with failure over time could outweigh the effort required to remain determined and accomplish a goal, encouraging persistence rather than resignation.
William M. Thackeray's Philosophical Insight
Thackeray, a prominent 19th-century English novelist, was known for his keen observations of human nature. This statement reflects his understanding of the complexities of human perseverance and the psychological toll of failure.
Recommended Reading
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
One-minute reflection
What does this quote ask you to notice today?
Related Quotes
6 selectedPerfectionism is just a high-stakes, low-reward game. — Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s line reframes perfectionism not as a virtue but as a rigged game: the stakes feel enormous, yet the rewards rarely match the effort. Instead of “excellence,” perfectionism often means anxiety-driven o...
Read full interpretation →The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In life, you've got to have a 'What the hell?' attitude. — Julia Child
Julia Child
Julia Child’s remark begins with a blunt diagnosis: what trips most people up isn’t a lack of talent or opportunity, but the fear of failing. By calling fear the “only real stumbling block,” she reframes failure as an ev...
Read full interpretation →Action is the foundational key to all success. — Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso
This quote emphasizes that taking action is crucial for achieving success. Without action, plans, dreams, and ideas remain unfulfilled.
Read full interpretation →Every strike brings me closer to the next home run. — Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth
This quote emphasizes the importance of perseverance. Each failure or setback (such as a strike in baseball) is a step closer towards achieving success (hitting a home run).
Read full interpretation →Don't let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning. — Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki
This quote emphasizes the importance of courage and the willingness to take risks. It suggests that fear of potential failure should not overshadow the potential rewards and joys of success.
Read full interpretation →행동은 모든 성공의 기초입니다. — 파블로 피카소
파블로 피카소
This quote stresses the significance of taking action as a necessary step towards achieving any form of success. Without action, even the best plans and ideas remain unrealized.
Read full interpretation →More From Author
More from William M. Thackeray →