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About this quote

What does it mean?
Success is less important than maintaining a good attitude in failure. The quote values grace over achievement.
In plain terms
Failing with a good attitude is better than succeeding poorly.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize resilience and attitude over measurable success.

Where it applies

  • dealing with setbacks
  • personal reflection
  • religious study

Putting it to work

  • practice humility
  • build resilience
  • focus on process

Questions to consider

  • When is failing with grace more important than winning?
  • What defines true success?

Another view

Society often rewards success regardless of attitude.

More from Robert Louis Stevenson

  1. Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.

    Permalink to quote #75
  2. A man must not deny his manifest abilities, for that is to evade his obligations.

    Permalink to quote #77
  3. The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you.…

    Permalink to quote #74

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