--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ...If he failed the first time he took…" description: "\"...If he failed the first time he took his driver's licence test, it was mainly because he started an argument with the examiner in an ill-timed effort..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/825/vladimir-nabokov-198_argument_if-he-failed-the-first-time-he-took-his_2132977.jpg" --- # ...If he failed the first time he took his driver's… ![“...If he failed the first time he took his driver's licence test, it was mainly because he started an argument with the examiner in an ill-timed effort to prove that nothing could be more humiliating to a rational creature than being required to encourage the development of a base conditional…” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/825/vladimir-nabokov-198_argument_if-he-failed-the-first-time-he-took-his_2132977.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/825/vladimir-nabokov-198_argument_if-he-failed-the-first-time-he-took-his_2132977.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/825/vladimir-nabokov-198_argument_if-he-failed-the-first-time-he-took-his_2132977.jpg) > “...If he failed the first time he took his driver's licence test, it was mainly because he started an argument with the examiner in an ill-timed effort to prove that nothing could be more humiliating to a rational creature than being required to encourage the development of a base conditional reflex by stopping at a red light when there was not an earthly soul around, heeled or wheeled. He was more circumspect the next time, and passed...” [Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-nabokov/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Patience and humility in testing lead to success, unlike reckless defiance. **In simple terms:** Patience wins over arrogance. Key Takeaway Stay humble and patient in challenges. Themes humility patience learning failure Mood introspective serious Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - driving exams - job interviews - public speaking - academic exams Key Concepts psychology personal growth testing Questions to Reflect On - What does your impatience cost you? - How can you balance confidence with humility? A Different Perspective Over‑cautiousness can cause missed opportunities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument/) [Effort](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/effort/) [Ill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ill/) [Light](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/light/) [Next time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/next-time/) [Red](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/red/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Tests](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tests/) ## Related quotes > [“Clubs rattled behind them. 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Come on over here, you foolish little doe, and tell me on what day I shall die.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vladimir-nabokov/it-isn-t-possible-i-cannot-imagine-it-come-on-over-here-you-foolish/) [Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-nabokov/) > [“Precautions to be taken in the case Of freak reincarnation: what to do On suddenly discovering that you Are now a young and vulnerable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vladimir-nabokov/precautions-to-be-taken-in-the-case-of-freak-reincarnation-what-to-do/) [Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-nabokov/) > [And this is the only immortality you and i may share, my Lolita.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vladimir-nabokov/and-this-is-the-only-immortality-you-and-i-may-share-my-lolita/) [Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-nabokov/) > [“Be true to your Dick.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vladimir-nabokov/be-true-to-your-dick/) [Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-nabokov/) > [“It is indeed a tricky name. 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