There is a movement about that seeks to eliminate failing grades in schools and other realms of endeavor. Presumably, this is to avoid hurting feelings or injuring the self-esteem of tender wits. Inclusion and non-discrimination are the prime ethics today, so it is incumbent on teachers in many pursuits to make sure that no one feels or appears to be left behind. Hence the necessity for removal of failure from the curriculum.
That is all nonsense. Failure is good. Failure is beneficial. Failure is the great instructor, the great teacher—greater than Socrates (if he ever lived), for he made frequent and persistent use of it. Most of us can say that we have learned more from (at least) one of our failures than from all our successes put together.
In most pursuits, only failure can fully inform us of what we lack. Failure and our loathing of it can spur us to greater efforts as almost nothing else can. Moreover, without failure there can be no success. Indeed, failures make ultimate success all the sweeter. Without the possibility of failure, students will receive diplomas for attendance. Life, all of life, demands and deserves more than that.
I implore teachers and institutions that pursue any goals involving learning not to rob their students of this great teacher, this great and powerful tool and contributor to their learning: failure.
