proverb · Legacy record
Don’t judge the one who tries and fails, but the one who fails to try.
Don’t judge the one who tries and fails, but the one who fails to try.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Trying and failing is defended against judgment while not trying is criticised. The saying values undertaking an attempt over avoiding it.
What the words are saying
A responsible interpretation can encourage feasible action without blaming people whose options are limited. Choosing not to attempt an unsafe or unsuitable goal can be sound judgment, and participation does not excuse harmful conduct. An unsuccessful result is not a complete personal verdict.
Everyday example
A teacher values a learner’s considered attempt while asking what support another learner may need before beginning.
When to use it
Use it to discuss attempts with barriers and reasonable refusals respected.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
No duty to take every risk or low worth from nonparticipation is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
China
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 272; PDF page 31; collection label: China
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- China