--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: On occasion, terrorists will succeed…" description: "\"On occasion, terrorists will succeed despite our best efforts. That is part of the legacy of 9/11. But 9/11 also shows us that while terrorists can des..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4b5/richard-n-haass-3803_best_on-occasion-terrorists-will-succeed-desp_2181214.jpg" --- # On occasion, terrorists will succeed despite our best… ![“On occasion, terrorists will succeed despite our best efforts. That is part of the legacy of 9/11. But 9/11 also shows us that while terrorists can destroy, they are unable to create.” quote by Richard N. Haass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4b5/richard-n-haass-3803_best_on-occasion-terrorists-will-succeed-desp_2181214.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4b5/richard-n-haass-3803_best_on-occasion-terrorists-will-succeed-desp_2181214.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4b5/richard-n-haass-3803_best_on-occasion-terrorists-will-succeed-desp_2181214.jpg) > “On occasion, terrorists will succeed despite our best efforts. That is part of the legacy of 9/11. But 9/11 also shows us that while terrorists can destroy, they are unable to create.” [Richard N. Haass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-n-haass/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Terrorism can cause destruction but lacks the capacity to build lasting positive institutions. **In simple terms:** Terrorists destroy, not create. Key Takeaway Focus on constructive responses to violence. Themes security terrorism legacy Mood somber determined Type analytical inspirational When to use this quote - policy planning - community resilience - education programs Key Concepts statecraft nation building Questions to Reflect On - How can societies transform trauma into growth? - What role does resilience play after attacks? A Different Perspective Destruction can sometimes lead to unintended positive reforms. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Israel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/israel/) [Legacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/legacy/) [Terrorists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/terrorists/) ## Related quotes > [Terrorists destroy randomly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-ayers/terrorists-destroy-randomly/) [Bill Ayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-ayers/) > [And the truth is, those who are terrorists only have to succeed once, and those of us who are trying to build an inclusive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-miliband/and-the-truth-is-those-who-are-terrorists-only-have-to-succeed-once/) [David Miliband](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-miliband/) > [“The people who succeed despite depression do three things. First, they seek an understanding of what's happening. 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