---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Defeatism is the wretchedest of policies."
description: "\"Defeatism is the wretchedest of policies.\" — George Bernard Shaw"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1f/george-bernard-shaw-68_defeatism_defeatism-is-the-wretchedest-of-policies_1746458.png"
---

#  Defeatism is the wretchedest of policies.

![“Defeatism is the wretchedest of policies.” quote by George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1f/george-bernard-shaw-68_defeatism_defeatism-is-the-wretchedest-of-policies_1746458.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1f/george-bernard-shaw-68_defeatism_defeatism-is-the-wretchedest-of-policies_1746458.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1f/george-bernard-shaw-68_defeatism_defeatism-is-the-wretchedest-of-policies_1746458.png)

> “Defeatism is the wretchedest of policies.”

[George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/)

## About This Quote

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

Defeatism is a self‑defeating policy that guarantees failure.

**In simple terms:** Giving up guarantees failure.

Key Takeaway

Avoid defeatist thinking.

Themes

psychology self‑defeat motivation mindset

Mood

determined critical

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- personal setbacks
- team projects
- career planning
- health goals

Key Concepts

Self‑defeat pessimism agency

Questions to Reflect On

- What evidence supports your fear of failure?
- How could a different mindset change the outcome?

A Different Perspective

Defeatism can be a rational response to overwhelming odds.

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[Defeatism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defeatism/)

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