What is your opinion?

Question

"Failure is an opportunity to start again".


What do you think about this quote? Write your personal opinion.

Answer 1

I'm going to go against the grain and call that nonsense. Here's why:

The implication in the statement is that the opportunity to start again only comes when you fail, and that this is a desirable thing. Yes, I know it doesn't flat-out say that, but we all recognize this as a positive statement, so that is what's underneath the surface that makes it seem positive. So let's look at those implications:

Can you start again only when you fail? Clearly not. You can, in fact, start again any time you like. Someone succeeding marvelously can start again... and what's more such a person will probably be in a better position to do so! Therefore calling failure an opportunity in this way is false. Failure has absolutely nothing to do with it.

Likewise, starting again normally has a negative connotation, because it suggests repeated efforts. But this expression makes it look good by calling it an opportunity... something you would leap at. Which is just another discontinuity. Most people who were doing well (or even passably) wouldn't WANT to start again. The only people who might benefit from that ARE the people who are failing. And some of those might do better by sticking to their apparent failure and turning it around than starting over. So starting again is a penalty for most people, and even some of the failures.

Now, I'll agree that a negative outlook seldom helps much of anything. But I think a false outlook is far, far worse. Someone who sees failure as a great opportunity may even WANT to fail ("Yay! I get to start again!"). This should be avoided at all costs.

If I could choose a better motto, it would be "Hope for the best, but plan for the worst". If you have a plan, the worst is not the worst... it's just a part of the plan. Or perhaps, "Avoid failure, but accept it when it happens. Learn from it and then move on."

Answer 2

Failure is an opportunity to continue to evolve from what was learned, but not to start again. There is no returning to a non-existent past, only to continue in the present.

Answer 3

Brilliant. Sums up some of the best advice about life. Failures are merely opportunities to grow and become more.

Answer 4

I like your question -

Talk about being a positive person. That's one way to look at things in a good way. Instead of personal failure just causing you to shut down it brings up the image of dusting oneself off and heading into a new direction.

"Cheers!"

Answer 5

Well, if we did everything right the first time, where's the fun? We all fail and then we do it till we get it right. If we are real human beings, we relish the challenge and the thrill of accomplishment. You are right on.

Answer 6

true statement there folks. Nobody is perfect, therefore everyone will make mistakes. What separates people, is the fact that they use those mistakes to become smarter, stronger, and a better person.

Answer 7

failure is mearly a way for sumone to find out what not to do.
Tomas Edison discovered over 200 ways on how to NOT make a light bulb.
mistaks are a part of life its what you do with them that make somone who they are.

Answer 8

I LIKE IT! it beats "success is an opportunity to quit while ahead"

Answer 9

It reminds me of "If at first you don't succeed ; try try again."
My personal opinion is that that is what you are saying.

Answer 10

I like it.... Just wish I was better at keeping it in mind myself.