The man who has the courage of his platitudes is always a successful man.

In this quote, Van Wyck Brooks, an American critic and historian, offers a satirical commentary on the nature of success and the role of courage in standing by one’s own platitudes—simple, often cliché statements or ideas. Brooks suggests that a person who holds firm to their shallow or unoriginal beliefs, without questioning or evolving them, can appear successful in society. This success, however, may be superficial, driven more by the ability to repeat familiar ideas rather than the depth or truth of those ideas.

Brooks implies that success is sometimes associated with confidence rather than genuine wisdom. The "courage" to stand by platitudes—which are often harmless or widely accepted ideas—can be a key trait of individuals who thrive in environments that value certainty and consistency over complexity. Such individuals can gain respect or even power simply because they repeat what people already know or want to hear, regardless of the originality or substance of their words.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Brooks’ experiences as a literary critic and his observations of public figures, intellectuals, and society. He often critiqued the superficiality and lack of true intellectual depth in the world around him. By highlighting the connection between courage and platitudes, Brooks criticizes a tendency in society to elevate those who project confidence, even if their ideas lack real insight or innovation.

Ultimately, Brooks' quote reflects a cynical view of success, pointing out that it is not always linked to true merit or knowledge. Instead, it suggests that the courage to repeat conventional wisdom can sometimes be enough to achieve recognition or influence.