It is commonly said that a teacher fails if he has not been surpassed by his students. There has been no failure on our part in this regard considering how far they have gone.

The quote — “It is commonly said that a teacher fails if he has not been surpassed by his students. There has been no failure on our part in this regard considering how far they have gone” — comes from Edmond H. Fischer, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who, along with Edwin G. Krebs, made pioneering discoveries in the field of reversible protein phosphorylation, a fundamental biological process. In this statement, Fischer expresses a profound and humble reflection on the legacy of mentorship and the success of his students.

The first part of the quote refers to the well-known adage that a teacher's ultimate success is measured by how much their students exceed their own achievements. Rather than seeking to remain the pinnacle of expertise, a great mentor fosters the growth of others to the point where they surpass the teacher’s accomplishments, advancing the field even further. Fischer acknowledges this idea and embraces it with grace, suggesting that the true goal of education and mentorship is progress through the next generation.

By stating that there has been “no failure on our part,” Fischer is celebrating the accomplishments of his students — many of whom went on to make significant contributions in biomedical research. It’s a testament to the strength of the academic lineage he helped nurture, and to the selfless spirit of scientific discovery, where knowledge is passed on and continually expanded by those who follow.

The quote likely originates from interviews, lectures, or tributes later in Fischer’s career, when he had the opportunity to reflect on his impact as a mentor in addition to his scientific legacy. It captures not only the essence of a great teacher’s humility but also the intergenerational nature of science, where each breakthrough is built on the mentorship and guidance of those who came before.