Failure is often seen as something to avoid, but it’s actually a powerful teacher. The greatest minds and leaders throughout history have used their failures as stepping stones to success. In this collection of quotes on failure, you’ll find wisdom that redefines setbacks—not as defeats, but as opportunities for growth. These quotes will inspire you to embrace mistakes, learn from them, and develop the resilience needed to achieve your goals. Whether you’re facing personal struggles or professional challenges, let these words remind you that failure is never the end—it’s just part of the journey to success.
Here are the 15 quotes on failure
- “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” – Jack Canfield
- “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” – Ken Robinson
- “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy
Kennedy’s thought process likely stemmed from the idea that taking bold risks is essential for extraordinary success. He believed that failure is not just a possibility but a necessity for those who aim high. This aligns with many quotes on failure, emphasizing courage in the face of setbacks.
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
- “I’d rather be partly great than entirely useless.” – Neal Shusterman
- “The phoenix must burn to emerge.” – Janet Fitch
Fitch’s perspective is rooted in the symbolism of the phoenix—rising stronger after destruction. She likely saw failure as a transformative process, where setbacks burn away the old to make room for growth. Her words reflect the painful yet necessary path of reinvention.
- “It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts.” – Zig Ziglar
- “What is the point of being alive if you don’t at least try to do something remarkable?” – John Green
- “Success is most often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.” ― Coco Chanel
Chanel’s thought process seems to challenge the fear of failure itself. She believed that those unaware of their limits push forward without hesitation, often achieving success. Her words resonate with many quotes on failure, showing that sometimes ignorance of obstacles can be a strength.
- “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald
- “We are all failures- at least the best of us are.” ― J.M. Barrie
- “I’m done with those; regrets are an excuse for people who have failed.” ― Ned Vizzini
Vizzini’s mindset appears to reject dwelling on the past. He saw regret as a mental trap that prevents progress, arguing that true resilience means moving forward without self-pity. His words encourage a mindset of action rather than remorse.
- “If at first you don’t succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.” ― Steven Wright
- “I am not concerned that you have fallen — I am concerned that you arise.” ― Abraham Lincoln
- “A bad day for your ego is a great day for your soul.” ― Jillian Michaels
Michaels likely viewed failure as a humbling experience that fosters personal growth. She saw ego as a barrier to learning, and setbacks as opportunities for deeper self-awareness. This idea aligns with quotes on failure, reinforcing that personal growth often comes from discomfort.
Key Takeaways
Failure is not the end—it’s a stepping stone toward growth. The quotes on failure in this collection highlight how setbacks can shape your character, strengthen your resilience, and push you toward success. Now, it’s your turn to embrace failure as a teacher and apply its lessons to your journey.
- Shift your mindset: View failure as a lesson, not a defeat.
- Take bold risks: Don’t let the fear of failing hold you back from trying new things.
- Learn from mistakes: Analyze what went wrong and use it to improve.
- Let go of regret: Stop dwelling on the past—it only hinders progress.
- Stay resilient: Bounce back stronger, no matter how hard you fall.
Remember, every great success story is built on failures. Let these quotes inspire you to take action, face your fears, and keep moving forward—even when the road gets tough.
Also Read: 15 Joseph Addison Quotes on Life, Virtue, and Wisdom
