The assertion of failure coming from such persons does not mean that Mr. Mill failed to promote the practical success of those objects the advocacy of which forms the chief feature of his political writings.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
If, however, the success of a politician is to be measured by the degree in which he is able personally to influence the course of politics, and attach to himself a school of political thought, then Mr. Mill, in the best meaning of the words, has succeeded.
No man can be a failure if he thinks he's a success; If he thinks he is a winner, then he is.
There is little doubt that the majority of Mr. Mill's supporters in 1865 did not know what his political opinions were, and that they voted for him simply on his reputation as a great thinker.
Just as radical heirs apparent are said to lay aside all inconvenient revolutionary opinions when they come to the throne, it was believed that Mr. Mill in Parliament would be an entirely different person from Mr. Mill in his study.
The man who has won millions at the cost of his conscience is a failure.
His failures are as valuable as his successes: by misjudging one thing he conforms something else, even if at the time he does not know what that something else is.
A man obsessed with failure has succeeded better than others in portraying it.
Appearances are not truth. But every politician knows that his or her image, as well as his or her actions, can make the difference between failure and success.
Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes.
He only is exempt from failures who makes no efforts.