proverb · Words worth keeping
Success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan.
Success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying gives success many fathers but leaves failure an orphan. It contrasts eagerness to claim credit with reluctance to accept responsibility.
Example
A team documents contributions and decisions for a project whether it succeeds or falls short.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The family image makes unequal ownership memorable. A useful application checks who contributed and who had responsibility rather than assuming everyone acts opportunistically. It should not disparage family circumstances or confuse being associated with a result with causing it.
When to use it
Use it to examine unequal treatment of credit and responsibility.
Keep in mind
The generalisation does not establish anyone’s motives or actual responsibility.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown