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Failure on the other hand is infectious. The world is full…

“Failure on the other hand is infectious. The world is full of charming failures (for all charming people have something to conceal, usually their total dependence on the appreciation of others) and unless the writer is quite ruthless with these amiable footlers, they will drag him down with them.” quote by Cyril Connolly
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“Failure on the other hand is infectious. The world is full of charming failures (for all charming people have something to conceal, usually their total dependence on the appreciation of others) and unless the writer is quite ruthless with these amiable footlers, they will drag him down with them.”

Cyril Connolly

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Failure spreads like a contagion, especially when charming people hide their dependence on others, pulling the writer down if not disciplined.

In simple terms: Failure can be contagious, especially with charming, dependent people.

Key Takeaway

Guard against being dragged down by others' failures.

Themes

failure dependence charisma discipline

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative work
  • personal relationships
  • team projects
  • leadership
  • writing

Key Concepts

psychology social influence self‑preservation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you protect your work from others' negative influences?
  • Can charm mask underlying dependency?
A Different Perspective

Even charming failures can undermine confidence if not managed.

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