You don’t succeed, try, try again. I love this little saying. I’m very big on trying again when I mess up or don’t get the result I wanted. I am nothing but persistent.
But of course as I was saying this to myself for like the millionth time this morning, I thought it would be a good thing to research for the old blog here! According to Wikipedia, this proverb was popularized by William Edward Hickson – AKA Richman Hopson and W.E. Hickman – who lived from 1803-1870.
After starting out in the family boot and shoe business, Hickman left to become an educational writer eventually becoming the editor of the Westminster Review and is also credited with writing part of the British National anthem.
Hickson is credited with popularizing the proverb:
- ‘Tis a lesson you should heed:
- Try, try, try again.
- If at first you don’t succeed,
- Try, try, try again.
The proverb itself can be traced back to the writings of Thomas H. Palmer in his Teacher’s Manual, and The Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat.
So now you know – and remember, if at first you don’t succeed…. Try, try again!
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