The following is a translation of “Shippai no susume” by Shigeharu Komai from Ohanashi goju hassen published in 2004 in Japanese by the Tenrikyo Young Men’s Association. Translation originally posted at Tenrikyo Forum on March 12, 2007.

A Recommendation to Experience Failure

by Shigeharu Komai

People are able to learn their trade and make significant progress in life when faced with adverse circumstances or when making an effort to overcome failure. This is why I always give out a recommendation to experience failure.

By experiencing failure and the pain that accompanies it, you become deeply aware of your shortcomings, begin to fully appreciate the sympathy of others, and develop a sense of perseverance.

Failure is not something to be ashamed of. It is shameful when you repeat the same mistake over and over or when you have no desire to get back on your feet after taking a fall.

It is important to nurture yourself into a new person when you experience failure. This, I believe, depends on how seriously you engage yourself in your work.

On the author

Shigeharu Komai 駒井茂春(1923–1998): Second president of Duskin Co. Ltd. Winner of the 1993 International Franchise Association Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Author of Faith-Based Management, published by the Tenrikyo Overseas Department in 2002.

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*Note: This post has been revised since its original publication.