Failure is not a crime. The crime is not trying.

Host: The room feels calm, the soft light of the evening casting gentle shadows across the floor. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, there’s a reflective stillness, as though the conversation about to unfold will carry a deeper message. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, looking out at the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, but filled with curiosity) “You ever think about how we view failure? How often we see it as something to avoid, when in reality, it’s part of the process, part of the journey?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Failure, huh? Yeah, it’s something we’re often taught to fear. But it’s funny how much we learn from it. What’s got you thinking about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something Ron Dellums said: ‘Failure is not a crime. The crime is not trying.’ It made me reflect on how we sometimes avoid risks because we’re afraid of failing, but the real mistake is not trying at all. Failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words) “So, he’s saying that failing isn’t the problem—it’s avoiding failure altogether, not even trying, that’s the real issue? That we should focus more on the courage to take risks and attempt things, rather than fearing the inevitable setbacks?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Dellums is pointing out that failure is natural—it’s something everyone experiences. The real crime is in not attempting, not putting ourselves out there because we’re afraid of failure. If we don’t try, we miss the chance to grow, to learn, and to reach our potential. Not trying is the real failure.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to linger in the room, creating a shift in the conversation about failure and the importance of taking action. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he processes the deeper meaning of Dellums’ statement. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels grounded in the idea that trying—no matter the outcome—is the key to growth.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what he means. Failure isn’t a mark against us; it’s a step in the process of trying. The real failure is not attempting at all, not putting in the effort. The risk of failing is worth it because it means we’re engaging with life, learning, and pushing ourselves to be better.”

Jeeny: (nodding, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. We’re always going to face setbacks, but they’re not what define us. What matters is our willingness to take those steps, to make the effort, and to try again when things don’t go as planned. That’s where growth happens.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea sinks in) “It’s liberating, isn’t it? To realize that failure isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s just part of the journey. The real failure is never even trying, never taking that step out of fear.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, but filled with wisdom) “Exactly. And when we embrace failure as a natural part of the process, we open ourselves to so many more possibilities. We free ourselves from the fear of not being perfect and start to see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as if the conversation has shifted into a deeper understanding of failure and its role in personal growth. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the importance of taking risks and not fearing failure. Jeeny watches him, content in the knowledge that the key to success is not avoiding failure, but embracing it as part of the process. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared recognition that the real mistake in life is not trying at all.