Arise Quote by Kenneth E. Boulding
“Perhaps the most difficult ethical problem of the scientific community arises not so much from conflict with other subcultures as from its own success. Nothing fails like success because we don't learn from it. We learn only from failure.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Economics of the Coming Global Revolution, 1973
Success can blind a community to learning, making failure the only true teacher.
In simple terms: Success can hinder learning; failure teaches.
Key Takeaway
Seek lessons in failure.
Themes
ethics
science
humility
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research labs
- policy making
- corporate strategy
Key Concepts
learning theory
systemic risk
feedback loops
Questions to Reflect On
- How can success be leveraged for learning?
- What mechanisms prevent complacency?
A Different Perspective
Success may also provide valuable data.
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