Okonkwo is a character from the novel, Things Fall Apart, written by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. He is a strong, proud man who is determined to succeed in life. He has a deep fear of failure, which leads him to make rash decisions and take risks. Here are some of the most powerful quotes from Okonkwo about his fear of failure that can help inspire us to strive for success and never give up.
1. “It is not shameful to fail. What is shameful is to have failed and not tried again.”
This quote from Okonkwo speaks about the importance of perseverance. He was never afraid to take risks, even if it meant he could fail. He understands that it’s not the failure itself that is shameful, but rather the lack of trying again. This is a reminder to us to never give up, even if we fail the first time.
2. “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound.”
Okonkwo was trying to explain that people come together to celebrate successes and lift each other up. He was trying to encourage his people to work hard and achieve great things, and to be there for each other when times get tough. This is a reminder for us to always stay connected to our loved ones and support one another in our successes and failures.
3. “A man who has no worth can be disposed of like a dead goat.”
Okonkwo was trying to emphasize the importance of having worth and meaning in life. He was trying to remind his people that if they don’t do anything of value, they will be discarded like a dead goat. This is a reminder for us to always strive to make an impact and work hard to reach our goals.
4. “The fear of failure is worse than failure itself.”
This quote from Okonkwo speaks volumes about the dangers of succumbing to fear. He was trying to remind his people that the fear of failure can be more crippling than the failure itself. This is a reminder for us to never give in to fear and to always take risks and try new things.
5. “A proud heart can survive a general failure because such a failure does not prick its pride.”
Okonkwo was trying to explain that pride can be a double-edged sword. He was trying to remind his people that a proud heart can survive a general failure because it does not affect its pride. This is a reminder for us to maintain our pride and dignity, even when faced with failure.
6. “The sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those who kneel under them.”
Okonkwo was trying to explain that those who take risks and stand up for themselves will be rewarded with success. He was trying to remind his people that those who take a risk and stand up for themselves will have more success than those who are too afraid to try. This is a reminder for us to never be afraid to take risks and to stand up for ourselves.
7. “A man must make his own path.”
This quote from Okonkwo speaks about the importance of self-reliance. He was trying to remind his people that if they want to succeed in life, they must make their own paths and take control of their destinies. This is a reminder for us to never be afraid to take the initiative and make our own paths to success.
Okonkwo’s fear of failure is a powerful reminder for us to never give up, even in the face of adversity. His quotes can help us to stay motivated and inspired to overcome our fears and strive for success. So remember, no matter how scared you might be, take risks and never give up.