We learn wisdom from failure much more than from success. We

Host: The room is cozy, the soft glow of the lamp casting gentle shadows across the walls as the evening grows quieter. Outside, the world is settling into stillness, the sounds of the day fading away. Jeeny sits on the couch, a cup of tea resting in her hands, her gaze distant but thoughtful. Jack, standing near the window, looks out at the darkened street, his arms crossed, lost in contemplation. The air between them feels thick with unspoken words, as if a deeper conversation is about to unfold.

Jeeny: “Jack, I came across a quote from Samuel Smiles today that really made me think,” she says, her voice breaking the silence. “He said, ‘We learn wisdom from failure much more than from success. We often discover what will do, by finding out what will not do; and probably he who never made a mistake never made a discovery.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: He turns, a thoughtful expression on his face. “That’s an interesting take. It’s almost like he’s saying that failure isn’t something to be afraid of, but something that’s necessary for growth. It’s like you can’t really understand what works unless you try, fail, and adjust. But do you think people really see failure that way? Or is it hard to look at it as an opportunity?”

Jeeny: “I think failure is often feared, especially in a culture that celebrates success. But Smiles is pointing out that failure is a natural and essential part of the learning process. It’s not about avoiding mistakes; it’s about learning from them. Failure teaches us what doesn’t work, and in that, we gain the knowledge to move forward more effectively. Without it, we wouldn’t discover new ways to improve.”

Host: The light in the room seems to soften as the conversation deepens. Jeeny’s perspective on failure as a tool for growth and discovery feels like a shift in how we’re conditioned to view setbacks. The idea that failure doesn’t need to be avoided but embraced is a powerful concept, one that suggests that the road to success isn’t always a straight line.

Jack: “I think I get it. It’s not just about the fact that we fail, but what we do with that failure. We often look at mistakes as setbacks, but maybe they’re just part of the process. Without failure, we wouldn’t be able to discover new solutions, new ways of doing things.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Think about any major breakthrough or discovery. It likely came after countless failures, after someone tried and didn’t succeed. But each time they learned something — even if it was just what didn’t work. The more we fail, the more we refine our approach and the closer we get to something that works. That’s how innovation happens.”

Host: The soft hum of the evening creates a stillness in the room, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. The idea that failure is not something to be feared but something that brings us closer to discovery offers a new perspective — one that embraces mistakes as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Jack: “So, if failure isn’t the end, but just a step in the process, how do we change our mindset to embrace it instead of fearing it? I think a lot of people get stuck in the idea that failure means something is wrong with them or their approach.”

Jeeny: “That’s the challenge, isn’t it? Reframing failure. Instead of seeing it as a negative, we need to see it as a necessary part of progress. It’s okay to fail, as long as you’re learning and improving. The key is not letting fear of failure stop you from trying new things, from pushing yourself. It’s not the mistakes that define us — it’s how we respond to them.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, as if their words have settled into something deeper. The idea of failure as a tool for growth and discovery, rather than a setback, creates space for reflection. Jeeny and Jack sit in that stillness, each contemplating how embracing mistakes can be one of the most important steps toward success. It’s not the failure itself that matters, but the lessons we learn from it and the discoveries that come from having the courage to try again.