The tragedy of life is often not in our failure, but rather… — Benjamin E. Mays | Printable Wall Art

“The tragedy of life is often not in our failure, but rather in our complacency.”

Words by Benjamin E. Mays (1894-1984) — Educator and civil-rights leader.

About this quote

This quote suggests that failing while attempting something worthwhile is not the real disaster in life. The true loss occurs when we settle for comfort and stop trying to improve. It reminds us that inaction, self-satisfaction, and the fear of stepping outside our comfort zone are far more damaging to human progress than honest mistakes made while striving.

Benjamin E. Mays was an influential twentieth-century educator, minister, and civil rights leader. Known for mentoring Martin Luther King Jr., he frequently spoke and wrote about the importance of high aspirations, character, and perseverance in his speeches and writings.

People often hang this print in a home office or study to stay focused and motivated during challenging tasks.

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.