"The more control you have over your life, the more responsible you feel for your own success - or failure."

Create & Download Quote Graphic

Customize Image

1. Canvas Aspect Ratio

2. Palette Theme

Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Failure as articulated by Arthur C. Brooks. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Failure provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

About Arthur C. Brooks

Arthur Charles Brooks is an American author and academic. Since 2019, Brooks has served as the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Nonprofit and Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and at the Harvard Business School as a professor of management practice and faculty fellow. As of July 1, 2026, he was also named as an endowed professor at Vanderbilt University. Previously, Brooks served as the 11th president of the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author of thirteen books, including Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier with co-author Oprah Winfrey (2023), From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life (2022), Love Your Enemies (2019), The Conservative Heart (2015), and The Road to Freedom (2012). He is a columnist for The Free Press, a CBS News contributor, and host of the podcast Office Hours with Arthur Brooks.

View all quotes by Arthur C. Brooks →
Editorial Integrity: Curated and fact-checked under our Editorial Standards to eliminate misattributions and preserve historical authenticity.
Learn about our methodology →