They bring bad luck.

Without success there may be vanity, but there can be but little pride, little self-respect." Henry moved uneasily in his chair.

"But among those who have failed," he replied, "we often find the highest types of manhood." "Nonsense," rejoined the merchant.

"That is merely a poetic idea.

What do you mean by the highest type of manhood?
Men whose theories have all been proved to be wrong?
Great men have an aim and accomplish it.
America is a great country, and why?
Because it is prosperous." "I don't mean that failure necessarily implies that a man's aim has been high," said Henry, "neither do I think that financial success is greatness.