Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits.
A man finds he has been wrong at every stage of his career, only to deduce the astonishing conclusion that he is at last entirely right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often realize their mistakes throughout their journey, leading to a clearer understanding of their true path in the end.
This quote by Robert Louis Stevenson suggests that the process of self-discovery and professional growth is filled with errors and misconceptions. However, through these experiences, a person can ultimately arrive at a profound realization that guides them to a satisfying conclusion about their choices and beliefs, affirming that every mistake was a step toward the right understanding of their life and career.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about career paths, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes.
More from Robert Louis Stevenson
All quotes βLike a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.
The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.
It is the history of our kindnesses that alone make this world tolerable. If it were not for that, for the effect of kind words, kind looks, kind letters . . . I should be inclined to think our life a practical jest in the worst possible spirit.
Similar quotes
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Wherever smart people work, doors are unlocked.
There is no greater mistake than to suppose that platitudes, smooth words, timid policies, offer today a path to safety.
You are in charge of your own attitude whatever others do or circumstances you face. The only person you can control is yourself...worry more about your attitude than your aptitude or lineage.
You have discovered the spiritual universe. Many others have discovered this same world, but each must make the discovery for himself. You are going to have a lot of joy sailing around this world of yours. Don't fight the opinions of others, or waste your time arguing over these things. Follow the inward gleam of your consciousness and you will arrive.
Whatever happens, do not lose hold of the two main ropes of life - hope and faith.