I have tried 99 times and have failed, but on the 100th time came success.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The essence of the quote lies in resilience, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment to one's goals despite encountering failures along the way. At its core, it encapsulates the profound truth that success is often preceded by numerous setbacks and failures. Each attempt, each failure, is not an indication of defeat, but rather a stepping stone towards eventual triumph.
When the speaker mentions trying "99 times and failing," they are acknowledging the arduous journey they underwent before achieving success. This acknowledgment of failure is crucial, as it highlights the inevitability of setbacks on the path to success. In a world where instant gratification is often sought, this quote serves as a reminder that success is rarely instantaneous. Instead, it is the result of persistent effort, resilience, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
The pivotal moment in the quote comes with the mention of the "100th time." Here, the speaker emphasizes that success came not as a stroke of luck or coincidence but as a direct consequence of perseverance. It signifies that success is not arbitrary but rather the culmination of relentless determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the quote suggests that each failure was not in vain but rather a valuable learning experience. Each attempt likely brought new insights, honed skills, and fostered personal growth, ultimately contributing to the eventual success. It underscores the importance of resilience and the ability to bounce back stronger after each setback.
Furthermore, the quote challenges the notion of failure as something to be feared or avoided. Instead, it reframes failure as an integral part of the journey towards success. By embracing failure and viewing it as a natural and necessary component of growth, individuals can cultivate a mindset conducive to innovation, creativity, and ultimately, success.
In essence, this quote serves as a poignant reminder that success is not defined by the absence of failure but rather by the resilience and determination to persevere in the face of it. It inspires individuals to keep pushing forward, to learn from setbacks, and to never give up on their dreams and aspirations. It embodies the timeless adage that "falling down is an accident, but staying down is a choice," urging individuals to rise above adversity and forge their path towards success.
Who said the quote?
The quote "I have tried 99 times and have failed, but on the 100th time came success." is often attributed to Albert Einstein (Bio / Quotes). Albert Einstein was a German physicist and Nobel Prize winner who is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history.
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Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote, "I have tried 99 times and have failed, but on the 100th time came success," is a powerful testament to the value of perseverance and determination. One historical example that vividly illustrates this message is the story of Thomas Edison and his invention of the electric light bulb.
Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, is famously known for his relentless pursuit of a practical and long-lasting incandescent light bulb. The journey to creating the light bulb was not a straightforward or easy one. In fact, it was filled with numerous failures, setbacks, and challenges.
Edison and his team of researchers at Menlo Park conducted thousands of experiments, trying different materials for the filament—everything from carbonized thread to various types of metal. Each time, they faced disappointment as the filaments either burned out too quickly, failed to produce enough light, or were too costly for mass production. Despite these repeated failures, Edison did not view them as final defeats. Instead, he saw each failed attempt as a step closer to success. He famously remarked, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
It was only after countless trials—perhaps akin to the "99 times" referenced in the quote—that Edison and his team discovered the right combination of materials and conditions to create a light bulb that was both practical and commercially viable. The "100th time," in a sense, was when Edison used a carbonized bamboo filament, which successfully burned for over 1,200 hours, leading to the development of the first commercially viable light bulb in 1879.
Edison's persistence in the face of failure not only led to one of the most important inventions in modern history but also exemplified the core message of the quote: that success often comes not despite failures but because of them.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote can be applied to various aspects of real life, especially in situations where persistence and resilience are required. One insightful and relatable scenario involves someone learning a new skill, such as playing a musical instrument, like the piano.
Imagine a person who has always admired the beauty of piano music and decides to learn how to play. At the outset, they may be filled with enthusiasm, eagerly tackling their first lessons. However, as they progress, they begin to encounter difficulties. Their fingers stumble over the keys, their timing is off, and the complex coordination of reading sheet music while playing becomes overwhelming. They practice repeatedly but continue to make mistakes. With each failed attempt, frustration builds, and doubt begins to creep in. They might feel that they are simply not talented enough or that they will never be able to play the piano well.
In this scenario, the message of the quote becomes highly relevant. The person's journey mirrors the "99 times" of failure. However, if they embrace the mindset of persistence and view each mistake as a learning opportunity rather than a sign of defeat, they are much more likely to reach their "100th time"—the moment when everything clicks, and they play their first piece flawlessly. It is not that the 100th attempt is magically easier; rather, it is the culmination of all the hard work, practice, and lessons learned from previous failures.
Applying this quote in real life means recognizing that failure is not an endpoint but a necessary part of the process. Whether learning a new skill, working on a challenging project, or pursuing a personal goal, the key is to keep trying, even when progress seems slow or non-existent. The success that comes after persistent effort is often more meaningful and rewarding because it is hard-won. This mindset can be a powerful motivator in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term goals, much like how Edison’s perseverance led to the invention of the light bulb, and how our hypothetical piano learner might eventually master their instrument.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
