Failure was not an attractive child. When he was born, even his parents were disappointed. They had wanted a beautiful, bonny, dimpled child, like their firstborn, Achievement. Instead, Failure had come into the world a small, lethargic, grey-skinned baby who seldom smiled. Relatives who came to visit tried not to look at him too much. They huddled in corners, whispering and shaking their heads.

Failure had a lonely childhood. At school, Failure was a good student who learnt much and in fact had lots to share. He kept asking questions on subjects that were not in the textbook, and trying things that were not part of the lesson. His teachers thought he was a troublemaker. Most of the other students shunned him. He began to acquire a reputation for being odd, as well as ugly, and began keeping to himself.

Later on, at work, Failure tried to make himself useful. He involved himself in as many things as possible. He attempted to spearhead new projects, trying out new ideas that no one in the organisation had thought of before, but soon found that there were few others who were willing to chip in. Before long, he was burnt out with running around. When things went wrong, fingers were pointed at him, even though he was often how the problem was discovered in the first place. Eventually, he lost his job.

It was while he was setting up his own business that he met Humility. She was a teacher in the school he once attended, helping students with difficulties, and wanted a non-conventional role model to inspire them. His name and student record had caught her eye, and she wrote him a beautiful letter inviting him to speak to some of her students. Failure was more than surprised, but quickly agreed. He spent many months with Humility and her students. With Humility's help, he found at last a willing audience for the lessons his experiences had taught him. Within the year, they were married.

That was some years ago, before his business took off. He had many false starts, but Humility was always with him, and many of their former students became staunch supporters of his work, and themselves went on to break new ground in their fields. When asked, they always cite Failure's lessons those many years ago as being the most important element behind their successes.

As for Failure and Humility, they have two children who look nothing like their parents, but who share their deep strength of spirit.  They are known as Experience and Wisdom. Ask them and they will tell you the story of your life.