Ask the diplomatist, and he will tell you that he has learned his art through being baffled, defeated, thwarted, and circumvented, far more than from having succeeded.

Precept, study, advice, and example could never have taught them so well as failure has done.

It has disciplined them experimentally, and taught them what to do as well as what NOT to do--which is often still more important in diplomacy.
Many have to make up their minds to encounter failure again and again before they succeed; but if they have pluck, the failure will only serve to rouse their courage, and stimulate them to renewed efforts.

Talma, the greatest of actors, was hissed off the stage when he first appeared on it.

Lacordaire, one of the greatest preachers of modern times, only acquired celebrity after repeated failures.