Skip to content

Failure Quote by Barney Hoskyns

“I would rather be a failure on my own terms than a success on someone else's," Waits said on the album's release.” quote by Barney Hoskyns
Download Open image
““I would rather be a failure on my own terms than a success on someone else's," Waits said on the album's release.””

Barney Hoskyns

About This Quote

Source Album liner notes, 1998

Choosing personal failure over borrowed success preserves authenticity and self‑respect.

In simple terms: Prefer failing on your own terms to succeeding for others.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize integrity over external validation.

Themes

authenticity integrity success

Mood

philosophical motivational

Type

advice inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • creative projects
  • personal goals

Key Concepts

philosophy personal values

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does success mean to you personally?
  • How can you measure achievement without external approval?
A Different Perspective

Success defined by others can erode self‑worth.

2.4 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Barney Hoskyns

Explore all 10 Barney Hoskyns quotes

More Failure quotes

Browse all 27,498 Failure quotes