In a world where knowledge is power, people spend entire lifetimes educating themselves on millions of different subjects. Whether we look at math, English, or science, a key pattern is constantly recurring: In order to succeed, you must also fail. The truth of this statement cannot be negated, but nor can its failure to paint an adequate picture, and consequently begs the question: “Between failure and success, which contributes more to the art of learning?” As of this moment, I would say that most of society find themselves in agreement; that failure trumps success. However, today I will prove to you that success is not only superior in its contributions to education but without success failure would have no place in this world.
Firstly, we need to acknowledge the idea of balance, as in that without failure, success wouldn’t be able to exist. That’s where the importance of failure comes in; it sets a standard for what’s victorious or correct. Likewise, failure needs success to determine if a shot is off its mark because both act as a standard for each other. In addition, when debating this topic, what determines the label of an outcome should be placed on if the intended result is as purposed. When debating this topic, the real question becomes, “Which outcome is more central in supporting and teaching someone?”. And although both outcomes matter, success overall provides clearer, more constructive lessons.
To start, the point that both success and failure need to exist is exactly why success is better than failure. This is because when it comes to teaching, only success allows someone to learn and move forward with their focus. In fact, in this world, where getting the right answers is at a top priority, failure only leaves questions unanswered. For example, I might constantly get my math problems wrong, but if I never learn the correct solution, I will never be prepared for the test. Improvement comes only when I’m able to recognize the right answer and practice recreating that success. Failure can teach me how something doesn’t work, but only succeeding is what helps me advance in life.
Furthermore, without the accomplishments set throughout the years, life as we know it would not exist. The prehistoric discovery of fire proves this fact, because early humans could’ve failed millions of times trying to recreate the heat that could protect them; but only was it their success that allowed others to recreate it and progress humanity as a whole. Similarly, Benjamin Franklin’s successful experiment with the harnessing of electricity is what allowed for the invention of the light bulb. This creation doesn’t just stand on its own though, it’s what allowed man to conquer the night and continue learning even in the pitch of darkness. Both these past examples draw a parallel of how failure might appear in the background, but only success is what pushes society into an age of understanding and possibilities.
Modern examples also strongly prove this priority of success. We are able to see this through Steve Jobs’ success with Apple that was able to transform global, communication, and learning technologies. LeBron James’ success on the court, like becoming the all-time leading scorer, has inspired millions and redefined what is possible and achievable. Although these individuals may have failed variously throughout their careers, their impacts stem from their successes that have been able to leave a legacy for generations to come.
All in all, the world undeniably required both success and failure to exist, but their outcomes are the key reason why success should be prioritized. Both these outcome play different roles, but success stands at the pinnacle of a true teacher and helps determine that standard for what is correct. One who’s able to to succeed is able to learn exactly what works to recreate the winning formula, but that same is not guaranteed when someone fails. This is due to the fact that failure without guidance leads to both drops is self-esteem and self-confidence. However, with the addition of success, failure is able to be guided correctly which proves exactly how failure is reliant on success but success doesn’t have to fall back on failure. Success opens opportunities, allows for new discoveries, and creates new paths for learning, which is why Success doesn’t deserve its bad rap when it comes to this debate between success and failure.

Painting by Lina Song