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About this quote

What does it mean?
Those who lack success appreciate its value more than those who are constantly successful.
In plain terms
You understand success best when you desperately need it and haven't achieved it.
What can you take from it?
Lack of success can sharpen your understanding of its true value.

Where it applies

  • evaluating achievements
  • dealing with failure
  • understanding value

Putting it to work

  • reflect on your needs
  • value what you strive for

Questions to consider

  • Do you value things more when you lack them?
  • What does victory mean to you?

Another view

It romanticizes failure as a necessary state for true understanding.

More from Emily Dickinson

  1. My friends are my 'estate.' Forgive me then the avarice to hoard them.

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  2. 'Faith' is a fine invention When Gentlemen can see - But Microscopes are prudent In an Emergency.

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  3. 'Hope' is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - And sweetest - in the Gale - i…

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