The worst possible thing ... was to lie dead in the water with any problem. Solve it, solve it quickly ... If you solved it wrong, it would come back and slap you in the face, and then you could solve it right.
Thomas Watson, Jr.Read
Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It's quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success is achieved through learning from failures rather than avoiding them.
Thomas Watson, Jr. suggests that embracing failure is crucial to achieving success. By increasing the frequency of failures, one gains valuable experience and insights that ultimately lead to greater accomplishments. This perspective encourages individuals to take risks and view setbacks as stepping stones to later achievements.
Themes
SuccessFailureLearningAchievementExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech addressing young entrepreneurs, this quote can inspire them to embrace risks.
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If you stand up and be counted, from time to time you may get yourself knocked down. But remember this: A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by conformity stays down for good.
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