It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.
Genuine
Yes. In J. K. Rowling, The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination, Harvard University commencement address, 5 June 2008; text published by the Harvard Gazette.
Checked against J. K. Rowling, The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination, Harvard University commencement address, 5 June 2008; text published by the Harvard Gazette, in a full-text transcription.
- Where
- Harvard commencement address, 5 June 2008, paragraph beginning You might never fail on the scale I did
- Source
- J. K. Rowling, The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination, Harvard University commencement address, 5 June 2008; text published by the Harvard Gazette
- Checked
- In a full-text transcription
Researched by AI. Entry updated 30 October 2026. Editorial review: pending. How we check
About this quote
The scene
After describing her own early adult setbacks, Rowling tells the graduating class that some failure is unavoidable even if theirs is not on the same scale. She then describes the self-knowledge and dependable friendships she discovered through adversity. The speech challenges a narrow identification of a successful life with examinations, qualifications and a CV.
What it means
Trying to eliminate every risk of failure can become a failure to live at all.
Often misread
It is an argument against paralysis through fear of failure, not a claim that every risk is wise or every setback is beneficial.
Topics
Related quotes
- And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.
- That which is an obstacle on the road helps us on this road. Marcus Aurelius
- You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. (not found) Marcus Aurelius
- Do not try to find the past again in the future. André Gide
- The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one. Elbert Hubbard
Sources
Cite it
J. K. Rowling, J. K. Rowling, The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination, Harvard University commencement address, 5 June 2008; text published by the Harvard Gazette. Checked at Quotogeny, https://quotogeny.com/q/it-is-impossible-to-live-without-failing/ (30 October 2026).
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Checked by people
People who checked this entry against its source, under their own names. Their checks do not change the verdict: an editor reviews every entry.
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