Avoiding Quote by Anne Bancroft
“... I don't think anybody should avoid mistakes. If it is within their nature to make certain mistakes, I think they should make them, make the mistakes and find out what the cost of the mistake is, rather than to constantly keep avoiding it, and never really knowing exactly what the experience of it is, what the cost of it is, you know, and all the other facets of the mistake. I don't think that mistakes are that bad. I think that they should try and not do destructive things, but I don't think that a mistake is that serious a thing that one should be told what to do to avoid it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 1975
Mistakes are learning opportunities; embracing them reveals their true cost and prevents avoidance of valuable experience.
In simple terms: Mistakes teach us if we face them.
Key Takeaway
Embrace errors to learn their impact.
Themes
learning
growth
risk
self-awareness
resilience
Mood
reflective
optimistic
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal relationships
- creative projects
- skill development
- entrepreneurial ventures
Key Concepts
experiential learning
cost‑benefit analysis
psychological safety
Questions to Reflect On
- What fear keeps you from making mistakes?
- How could a recent error inform your next choice?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on avoiding mistakes can stifle innovation and confidence.
![“I can hardly believe what these 12 caricatures [about Prophet Muhammad] have caused in the world. We Danes feel like we have been placed in a scene in the wrong movie. But I don't see the fight as a clash of civilizations. Rather, we must focus on avoiding exactly this type of conflict. We have to…” quote by Anders Fogh Rasmussen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8d8/anders-fogh-rasmussen-21056_acknowledgement_i-can-hardly-believe-what-these-12-caric_14933.jpg)
