QuoteProject
I have often marveled at the thin line which separates success from failure.
Ernest Shackleton
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Success and failure are closely linked and often determined by small factors.

In this quote, Ernest Shackleton reflects on the precarious nature of success, noting that it can be separated from failure by only a thin line. This observation highlights that many achievements are influenced by small decisions, circumstances, and chance, underscoring the importance of resilience and the impact of seemingly minor details in our quests for success.

Themes

SuccessFailureResilienceDeterminationAchievement

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote during a motivational speech to inspire students to persevere despite challenges.

More from Ernest Shackleton

If I had not some strength of will I would make a first class drunkard.
Ernest ShackletonRead
Now my eyes are turned from the South to the North, and I want to lead one more Expedition. This will be the last... to the North Pole.
Ernest ShackletonRead
(Was he talking about a polar expedition, or marriage?) -Jorge Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.
Ernest ShackletonRead
After months of want and hunger, we suddenly found ourselves able to have meals fit for the gods, and with appetites the gods might have envied.
Ernest ShackletonRead
A man must shape himself to a new mark directly the old one goes to ground.
Ernest ShackletonRead
I thought you'd rather have a live donkey than a dead lion.
Ernest ShackletonRead

Similar quotes

Vision w/o execution is just hallucination. You need the right combination of visionary + team that can execute
Walter IsaacsonRead
To have made even one person's life a little better, that is to succeed.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.
Benjamin DisraeliRead
Without the element of enjoyment, it is not worth trying to excel at anything.
Magnus CarlsenRead
Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.
Colin PowellRead
I began by acting like the person I wanted to be, and eventually I became that person.
Cary GrantRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.