We need to teach the highly educated man that it is not a disgrace to fail and that he must analyze every failure to find its cause. He must learn how to fail intelligently, for failing is one of the greatest arts in the world.

In this quote, Charles Kettering emphasizes the importance of failure as a learning tool, particularly for those who are highly educated. He argues that society often views failure as something shameful, but it should instead be seen as an essential part of growth and learning. Kettering believes that the highly educated person must recognize that failure is not disgraceful but rather an opportunity to analyze and understand its cause, making the failure a stepping stone to success.

Kettering goes on to suggest that individuals, especially those with extensive knowledge or training, need to reframe their perspective on failure. Instead of fearing or avoiding it, they should embrace it as a chance to learn. By doing so, they can cultivate the ability to fail intelligently, meaning they would take the time to reflect, analyze, and gain valuable insights from their mistakes, which could help them improve in the future.

The quote also highlights that failure is not an end but a necessary part of the process of success. Kettering calls it one of the greatest arts, implying that knowing how to handle failure with grace, insight, and a willingness to adapt is an important skill that leads to innovation and personal growth. It’s not the failure itself but how one responds to it that truly matters.

Ultimately, Kettering’s message is a call to change the way we view failure in education and beyond. Rather than seeing it as a setback or a mark of inadequacy, we should see it as a powerful tool for growth, self-improvement, and success. By learning to fail intelligently, individuals can turn their setbacks into valuable lessons that propel them forward.