“Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.”
Image credits：Aronsyne,”Lewis, age 48″,CC BY-SA 4.0,C.S.-Lewis – C. S. Lewis – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963
- Born in Ireland
- Writer, scholar
- Had a major influence on fantasy literature and religious thought through his many works, including the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Poetics of Christianity
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Quote
“Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis reframes failure not as a setback, but as an integral part of the process of success. He likens failure to “finger posts”—signposts that guide us along the right path, despite initially seeming like obstacles. The idea that repeated failures provide valuable direction underscores the belief that success is rarely a straight line. Instead, failures are stepping stones that help clarify what doesn’t work, ultimately bringing us closer to what does. By learning from these failures, we “fail forward,” meaning that each setback propels us towards a more refined understanding and eventual success.
Lewis’s understanding of failure as part of the larger journey was informed by his own life, particularly his academic and literary struggles before achieving success. His early career was marked by many rejections, yet he persisted in writing and developing his thoughts, ultimately becoming one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century. In this context, Lewis offers a mature perspective on failure, one that emphasizes resilience and learning rather than despair.
In the modern world, this idea is especially relevant in a culture of instant success and perfectionism, where failure is often viewed with shame or fear. Lewis’s insight challenges this narrative, suggesting that failure is not a reflection of one’s worth but an essential part of growth. Whether in business, personal development, or creative endeavors, the path to achievement often involves trial and error, and the ability to embrace and learn from failures can be the key to long-term success.
