Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. — Truman Capote | Printable Wall Art

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

Words by Truman Capote (1924-1984) — Author of In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's.

About this quote

This quote uses a culinary metaphor to suggest that achievements feel far sweeter when preceded by setbacks. Without experiencing difficulty, hardship, or defeat, the joy of accomplishing a goal can feel bland and unrewarding. Capote reminds us that mistakes and missteps are not wasted effort; instead, they provide necessary contrast, giving ultimate victory its depth, richness, and true satisfaction.

The line appeared in Capote's 1973 collection The Dogs Bark: Public People and Private Places, specifically in an essay titled Self-Portrait. It reflects his candid views on his literary career and personal struggles.

People often hang this print in a home office or kitchen, finding daily inspiration in its playful food metaphor.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 19 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Script Whisper · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Night Script · Tracked Caps Unsigned

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.