It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have… — Theodore Roosevelt | Printable Wall Art

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”

Words by Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) — 26th U.S. President.

About this quote

This quotation highlights the pain of failure while stressing that inaction is far more damaging. Experiencing defeat is disappointing, yet attempting something worthwhile brings purpose and growth. Refusing to try out of fear leaves a person with regret and unfulfilled potential. Ultimately, the willingness to risk disappointment is the only path to genuine achievement.

Theodore Roosevelt delivered these words during his speech titled The Strenuous Life, given in Chicago in April 1899. He argued that effort, struggle, and overcoming hardship were essential for both personal character and national strength.

People often hang this print in a home office or study to encourage persistence during challenging projects.

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.