By John Quincy Adams
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
"Try and fail, but don’t fail to try." This powerful statement by John Quincy Adams is more than just words — it is a prescription for personal courage in the face of uncertainty. The message resonates as deeply today as it did centuries ago, encouraging all of us to tackle challenges head-on. If you have ever wondered about the deeper meaning and practical advice behind this John Quincy Adams quote about courage, you are in the right place. Whether you are grappling with a big life decision or avoiding a small risk out of fear, this quote offers fresh guidance for living boldly.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At its simplest, "Try and fail, but don’t fail to try" means that making an attempt, even if you do not succeed, is better than doing nothing out of fear. John Quincy Adams, a lifelong advocate of personal growth and public service, is reminding us that taking action matters more than perfect outcomes. This John Quincy Adams quote about courage tells us that failing is not the worst-case scenario – refusing to try at all is.
On a literal level, the quote compares two outcomes: one in which you try something and may not succeed, and another in which you do nothing. The deeper message lies in the value of effort. Failing can be uncomfortable, disappointing, and even embarrassing. But even these outcomes are valuable, as they teach lessons and push personal boundaries. The only guaranteed failure is when you avoid acting altogether out of fear, habit, or doubt.
Metaphorically, Adams wants us to see trying as the true mark of courage. Sometimes, the biggest battles are not about external opponents but internal fears and doubts. By insisting that we try — regardless of the outcome — the quote frames life as a series of opportunities for growth. Each attempt, successful or not, is a victory for your inner resolve. This approach invites us to see effort as an act of hope and trust in ourselves, which is empowering and liberating.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Speak Up in Meetings or Classes
If you have a suggestion or question in a group setting, it can be intimidating to raise your hand. Applying the lesson of this John Quincy Adams quote about courage, remind yourself that saying nothing is a missed opportunity. Even if your comment is not perfect, speaking up shows initiative and can inspire others to contribute.
2. Apply for Opportunities, Even if You Feel Unqualified
Many people hold themselves back from new jobs, scholarships, or projects because they are not sure they will succeed. Adams urges us to submit the application anyway. By trying, you learn about yourself and open doors that would otherwise remain closed. Not everyone lands the opportunity, but everyone who doesn’t try gets nowhere.
3. Tackle Difficult Conversations
Confronting a friend or family member about a sensitive issue may feel risky. Yet, avoiding the conversation can let problems fester. Taking action, even if the talk does not go smoothly, is better than remaining silent. Each attempt at honest communication builds trust and shows care.
4. Experiment with Creative Projects
You do not need to be an expert to start painting, writing, or playing music. Too often, the fear of failure keeps people from exploring their creative side. By trying, you might discover talents or interests you never knew existed. Even if you “fail” by traditional standards, you gain joy and experience.
5. Face Everyday Risks
Everyday courage is shown in small actions: trying a new hobby, making a new friend, or asking for help. The spirit of Adams’s words lives in the willingness to try new things, even when the outcome is uncertain. Each attempt adds to your confidence and resilience.
The motivating force behind these examples is simple: action creates opportunity. When you choose to try, even if you are unsure of the result, you start to see yourself as brave and capable. Over time, these attempts — and even the failures — make you more adaptable and open to growth.
✨ The Motivation Message
You have more strength in you than you realize! Trying does not guarantee success, but it always guarantees growth. When you step out, even if things do not work out as you hoped, you become a little braver and a lot more capable. Every effort you make adds up — even so-called failures are building blocks for courage and wisdom.
Remember, nobody who ever achieved anything just sat on the sidelines. It is your willingness to get up, make an attempt, and learn from it that sets you apart. The next time you feel doubt creeping in, remind yourself that staying still is the only path that promises nothing at all. Take the chance, make the move, and trust that each try is a step forward! 🚀
You are capable of great things. Let your curiosity and hope lead you. Go out there and give it a shot — the effort is always worth it! Challenge yourself today: pick one thing you have been putting off, and give it an honest try. You might surprise yourself!
About John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams, who was born in 1767 and died in 1848, served as the sixth President of the United States and was renowned for his lifelong dedication to public service and intellectual growth. He was the eldest son of President John Adams and Abigail Adams, and from a young age, he learned the value of perseverance, wisdom, and civic duty.
Adams’s worldview was shaped by his wide-ranging career — diplomat, senator, president, and later a fierce anti-slavery advocate in Congress. Throughout his life, he championed the idea that progress requires courage and action, often in the face of daunting opposition. The quote "Try and fail, but don’t fail to try" is a reflection of his core belief that effort, not just outcomes, defines a person’s character.
This perspective is woven through his speeches and policies, especially his tireless stand for justice and moral integrity even when it was unpopular. Adams believed in striving for better, both personally and for the nation. His legacy reminds us that courage is found in making the effort — and that the greatest loss comes only when we refuse to try.
