It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Vidal argues that true success requires the failure of others.
- In plain terms
- He says you can only win if someone else loses.
- What can you take from it?
- Success is often zero-sum.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is success zero-sum?
- Can everyone win?
Another view
Success can also be collaborative rather than competitive.
More from Gore Vidal
Envy is the central fact of American life.
Permalink to quote #45 I can understand companionship. I can understand bought sex in the afternoon, but I cannot understand the love affair.
Permalink to quote #47 Whenever a friend succeeds, a little something in me dies.
Permalink to quote #44
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