Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the duality of human experience, emphasizing both past actions and the potential for better choices.
In this quote, Stevenson contemplates the nature of regret and gratitude, illustrating how one's history can be perceived with both pride and humility. He acknowledges that even a blameless past can be overshadowed by the weight of choices not taken or mistakes narrowly avoided, suggesting that a mindful reflection on our lives leads to deeper understanding and appreciation for the paths we have chosen.
Themes
RegretGratitudeChoicesReflectionHumility
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming past mistakes, this quote can illustrate the importance of learning from our experiences.
More from Robert Louis Stevenson
All quotes →Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
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.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
Strange as my circumstances were, the terms of this debate are as old and commonplace as man; much the same inducements and alarms cast the die for any tempted and trembling sinner; and it fell out with me, as it falls with so vast a majority of my fellows, that I chose the better part and was found wanting in the strength to keep to it.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
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