Inspirational Quotes by William George Jordan

Self-Control, Its Kingship and Majesty, Chapter XIV, “Failure as a Success,” Project Gutenberg #51469. “Failure is often the turning-point...” follows Jordan’s account of a failed log-rafting experiment that nevertheless generated useful hydrographic observations. The word “often” is retained: this is conduct-of-life rhetoric about possible redirection after failure, not a guarantee that failure produces improvement.

The Majesty of Calmness, “Failure as a Success.” The passage is motivational interpretation, not a promise that every loss will produce a better outcome.

The Power of Truth, “People Who Live in Air-Castles.” The line is a present-action argument within conduct-of-life writing, not a literal denial of memory, planning or future obligations.

The Power of Truth, “People Who Live in Air-Castles.” The military imagery is metaphorical and belongs to a critique of substituting fantasy for execution.

The Power of Truth, “The Courage to Face Ingratitude.” Project Gutenberg #56020; first published August 1902. Jordan’s standard is moral perseverance, not indifference to all criticism.

The Power of Truth, “The Way of the Reformer.” The qualifying language about rights and duties is retained because it prevents the individualist passage from being reduced to purely self-centered advice.