The simple phrase echoes through generations: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. It’s a cornerstone of perseverance, a mantra for overcoming obstacles. But its origins, surprisingly, aren’t found in ancient wisdom or motivational speeches – they’re rooted in a Victorian-era poem, and later, embraced by a video game company known for its relentless pursuit of innovation.
The sentiment first appeared in a poem titled “Persistent, Firm, and Bold” by Caroline Herschel, written in 1805. Herschel, a pioneering astronomer and sister to William Herschel, penned the lines as encouragement for her nephew. The original wording was slightly different: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” It was a personal message, a familial boost.
However, the phrase truly entered the cultural lexicon through its adoption by Valve Corporation, the creators of iconic games like Half-Life and Portal. Valve didn’t invent the saying, but they *championed* it, embedding it into the very fabric of their company culture.
Early in Valve’s history, the phrase appeared as an automated email reply. When someone sent a message to a general Valve address, they’d receive a response simply stating: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” It wasn’t a dismissive auto-reply, but a genuine reflection of their internal philosophy.
Valve’s approach to game development was, and remains, famously iterative. They embrace experimentation, often allowing projects to evolve organically, even if initial attempts falter. The “try, try again” message wasn’t just a slogan; it was a directive, a permission slip to fail, learn, and improve.
This philosophy extended beyond game design. Valve’s willingness to experiment with distribution models – ultimately leading to the creation of Steam, a revolutionary digital distribution platform – exemplifies their commitment to persistent effort. They didn’t shy away from challenges; they tackled them head-on, repeatedly refining their approach until they achieved success.
The story of this simple phrase is a testament to the power of perseverance. From a personal poem of encouragement to a guiding principle for a groundbreaking company, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” continues to inspire those who dare to pursue ambitious goals, reminding us that failure isn’t the opposite of success – it’s a stepping stone towards it.
