If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure.

The quote by Dan Quayle, "If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure," seems to highlight a tautological or self-evident truth about success and failure. Quayle is stating that if you don't achieve success, the natural outcome is failure. In a sense, the quote underscores the inevitability of failure if success is not reached, as if pointing out that without effort or accomplishment, failure is the default or risk. It reflects the consequence of not trying or falling short in one’s endeavors.

The quote also touches on the inherent risk involved in pursuing goals. Quayle’s phrasing suggests that in order to succeed, one must first take the risk of failure, which is an essential part of any endeavor. It acknowledges the reality that no effort comes without potential setbacks or challenges, and that the possibility of failure is part of the journey to success.

Though it sounds simple, the quote might also be seen as a commentary on risk-taking and the uncertainty of outcomes. Quayle seems to be pointing out that if we don’t aim for success, we’re likely to be left with failure by default, highlighting the importance of taking initiative and working toward something meaningful rather than settling for stagnation or inaction.

Dan Quayle, a former Vice President of the United States, was known for making statements that often became the subject of criticism or humor. The origin of this quote reflects his reputation for making speeches and remarks that were sometimes seen as obvious or poorly phrased. Despite its simplicity, the quote remains a reminder of the basic principle that striving for success requires overcoming the risk of failure—something Quayle’s own political career often involved.