One acquires more knowledge from failures than from success.
One acquires more knowledge from failures than from success.
Meaning in plain English
Failures supplying more knowledge than success values examining an unsuccessful outcome. The saying gives setbacks an exaggerated teaching advantage.
Example
Someone compares both successful and unsuccessful attempts to understand what affected them.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
More is not a measured learning comparison, and insight does not follow automatically from either result. A useful application reviews evidence and consequences without seeking avoidable harm. Success can also be informative, and a learner may need support before reflecting on a painful experience.
When to use it
Use it to discuss learning from outcomes with the ranking qualified.
Keep in mind
No universal learning advantage or required failure is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
China · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 266; PDF page 30; collection label: China
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗
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