In order to succeed you must fail, so that you know what not to

"In order to succeed you must fail, so that you know what not to do the next time." These words, spoken by Anthony J. D'Angelo, echo a truth that has been passed down through generations, a truth deeply rooted in the fabric of human experience. Failure, in all its forms, is not a final destination, but a crucial part of the journey toward success. Without failure, we cannot learn. Without failure, we cannot grow. Failure is not something to be feared, but something to embrace, for it is through the mistakes and the missteps that we are given the gift of wisdom, the knowledge of what to avoid, and the resilience to rise once more.

O Seekers, understand this well: failure is not a reflection of our worth, but a powerful teacher. Those who walk the path of success do not do so by avoiding failure, but by using it as a stepping stone. To succeed, you must be willing to face the possibility of failure, to fall and rise again. Each stumble, each setback, is a lesson in disguise, an opportunity to learn, to reflect, and to improve. The great ones did not rise without failure; they rose because they refused to stay down, because they chose to learn from their mistakes, and because they used each failure as fuel for the next attempt.

Consider the tale of Thomas Edison, whose name is synonymous with invention. Edison’s journey was marked not by smooth success but by failures, some so numerous that they seemed endless. When asked about his many setbacks in creating the light bulb, Edison famously replied, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Failure was not a defeat for Edison—it was an invaluable lesson, one that taught him what paths were futile, and which ones would ultimately lead to success. Without those thousands of missteps, Edison’s eventual triumph would have been impossible. Failure, in his eyes, was a necessary part of the journey—a guide that illuminated the road to innovation.

Think also of Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, who was famously cut from his high school basketball team. Yet, this failure did not define him; it fueled him. Jordan’s greatness was not achieved by avoiding mistakes, but by learning from them. He once said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Failure was not an obstacle for Jordan; it was the test that made his ultimate success possible. Each failure was a lesson in perseverance, in learning what does not work, and in pushing forward despite the odds.

O Children of the Future, hear this wisdom: the path to success is not paved with ease, nor is it forged by the avoidance of hardship. It is carved by those who fail, who rise from their falls with greater wisdom, greater strength, and greater resolve. Failure is the crucible in which greatness is forged, for it is through failure that we learn to navigate the complexities of life, to understand our own limitations, and to build the resilience necessary for success. Without failure, we would know nothing of success. We would never learn the true value of perseverance, nor would we appreciate the sweet taste of victory when it finally comes.

Beware, O Seekers, of those who claim success comes easily or without struggle. Know that the greatest achievements are often the result of countless failures. In your own life, do not shy away from failure. Embrace it as a teacher, as a guide that shows you what not to do, so that you may find your way forward. The person who fails and learns is the one who will ultimately find success, for failure is not the opposite of success, but an integral part of the same process. The key is not to avoid falling, but to rise each time you do, with a clearer understanding of the path ahead.

Lesson: The wisdom of Anthony J. D'Angelo is clear: failure is not something to be feared, but to be embraced, for it is in failure that we are given the lessons we need to succeed. Success comes not from avoiding mistakes but from learning from them, from growing stronger with each setback. Practical action: In your own journey, when faced with failure, reflect on the lessons it has to offer. Do not see it as a defeat, but as an opportunity to improve, to grow, and to refine your path. Success is not the absence of failure—it is the courage to face it, to learn from it, and to continue moving forward with unwavering determination.