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Success tends to go not to the person who is error-free…

“Success tends to go not to the person who is error-free, because he also tends to be risk-averse. Rather it goes to the person who recognizes that life is pretty much a percentage business. It isn't making mistakes that's critical; it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task.” quote by Donald Rumsfeld
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“Success tends to go not to the person who is error-free, because he also tends to be risk-averse. Rather it goes to the person who recognizes that life is pretty much a percentage business. It isn't making mistakes that's critical; it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task.”

Donald Rumsfeld

About This Quote

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

Success favors those who accept risk and learn from mistakes, not those who avoid errors entirely.

In simple terms: Risk‑taking and learning from errors lead to success.

Key Takeaway

Embrace risk, correct mistakes quickly.

Themes

risk learning success leadership resilience

Mood

determined pragmatic

Type

motivational strategic

When to use this quote

  • entrepreneurship
  • project management
  • personal development
  • innovation
  • team leadership

Key Concepts

probability error correction decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance risk and caution?
  • What systems help you correct mistakes fast?
A Different Perspective

Risk avoidance can stifle creativity and slow progress.

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