Never Give Up - Ryan Smith

If at First You Don’t Succeed…

Ryan Smith Lexington KY

Try, try again. This proverbial statement is said to have multiple origins. US educator Thomas H. Palmer, in his “Teacher’s Manual” published 1840, wrote:

            “'Tis a lesson you should heed, try, try again. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.”

Edward Hickson popularized it in his book The Singing Master. But if sources are correct, The Singing Master was published in 1836, placing it earlier than Palmer's work. Either way, it seems there is agreement that it was Edward Hickson who popularized the adage through his “moral song”, the full lyrics of which are:

“'Tis a lesson you should heed–

Try again;

If at first you don’t succeed,

Try again.

Then your courage should appear;

For if you will persevere,

You will conquer, never fear,

Try again.

Once or twice though you should fail,

If you would at last prevail,

Try again.

If we strive, 'tis no disgrace

Though we did not win the race–

What should you do in that case?

Try again.

If you find your task is hard.

Try again;

Time will bring you your reward,

Try again;

All that other folk can do,

Why with patience should not you?

Only keep this rule in view,

Try again.”

Variations on this little theme have occurred countless times during the past 184 years, yet Palmer’s version is the phrase most commonly heard. No one truly wants to fail. No one really wants to bear the label of “failure” or “loser”. However, every day there are people who hear these words directed at them because an effort they made didn’t succeed. Many of those people will absorb those words and accept them as self-definitions. They shrug their shoulders, walk away, and never again try. Ryan Smith, Lexington KY wonders how many great inventions and life-saving tools are never created because someone walked away. The road to success is not a straight course. It has many twists and turns. There are good ideas, meeting the right people at the right time,... Continue reading 

Originally appeared on https://ryansmithlexingtonky.kinja.com/if-at-first-you-don-t-succeed-1842653296?rev=1585876368987