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The Economic Times
The Economic Times
Advaita Suresh

Life advice of the day by famous American novelist Herman Melville: “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in…— Inspiring quote and life lesson on why being yourself matters

Life advice of the day by Herman Melville: Success is often celebrated, but the path taken to achieve it matters just as much. Herman Melville's famous quote, “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation,” encourages us to value authenticity over conformity. The message is simple yet powerful: creating something uniquely your own is more rewarding than gaining success by merely copying others.

In a world driven by trends, social media, and constant comparison, many people feel pressure to follow what is already popular. Whether in careers, business, art, or personal life, imitation can seem like the safest route. If someone else has already succeeded with a particular approach, repeating it appears less risky than trying something new.

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