To try or to give up?
In our journey through life, we are constantly confronted with crossroads that force us to choose between trying and running the risk of failure, or giving up before we even begin. This dilemma is essentially human and perennial, present in ancient Stoic reflections, as well as in biblical lessons on perseverance.
Stoic philosophers, such as Seneca and Epictetus, remind us that the only true defeat is giving up on growing and learning .
Consider the professional field: how many innovations would not have seen the light of day if their creators had given up for fear of failure? Think of Thomas Edison, who made countless failed attempts before inventing the electric light bulb. He himself stated that he did not fail, but found several ways that did not work until he achieved success. In a contemporary world, the fear of professional failure can be paralyzing, but it is important to remember that each step, even those that seem like setbacks, carry with them valuable lessons that bring us closer to our goals. In the emotional and loving dimension, relationships often face difficulties that make us question whether it is worth continuing to try. However, emotional perseverance, in light of a biblical approach, invites us to "love our neighbor as ourselves" (Matthew 22:39), recognizing the value of the other and of ourselves in walking together, even in the face of difficulties. The most lasting relationships are not those free of conflict, but those where those involved, with courage and patience, choose to invest their efforts mutually and intentionally, seeking healing and joint growth instead of choosing to give up. In the family, facing and accepting challenges with courage and resilience is equally vital. Imagine a young person who, at school, faces difficulties with his or her lessons. There is a substantial difference between giving up and continuing to try. By trying, young people discover not only their capabilities, but also resources, support, and love that they never knew existed until they truly needed it. Parents, with Stoic teachings in mind, are encouraged to guide their children with patience, instilling in them the notion that failure is an ally in the process of growth, not an enemy to be feared.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reminds us: “Perseverance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:4). It takes courage to try, courage that turns into hope, a driving force that keeps us going even in the face of adversity. In contemporary times, stories of resilience abound. Think of athletes who, after disappointments and injuries, continue to return to training and the field, driven by the desire to overcome their limits and inspire those around them.
Ultimately, by giving up trying, we give up not only possible achievements, but also the opportunity to learn and mature. We give in to fear and deprive ourselves of the fulfillment that comes, not necessarily from immediate success, but from the commitment to be our best version, regardless of the challenges.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson concludes, "Life is a series of rehearsals, the content of which is only new and more definite in its failed endings." Thus, failure, that annoying friend, is always ready to offer us new opportunities to get back on track, to restart the project and to revive our dreams with the wisdom of past stumbles.
Therefore, in this panorama of life, we must remember that trying is an act of faith in ourselves, in our potential, and in a better future. Giving up is losing the chance to be the learners we were made to be, in a life rich in meaning and experience. Choosing to try, but not just trying, to fail from time to time, is genuinely living. Therefore, let us face the fear of failing, and in doing so, let us discover that we are already victorious simply for having the courage to try.
By: Patrick Vieira
