QuoteGeekFor the lines that stay with you.

People

Success is more dangerous than failure, the ripples break over a wider coastline.

— Graham Greene

Painterly small pebble splashing into dark water with spreading circular ripples.
Original artwork
Behind the line May contain spoilers.

Our reading

An editorial interpretation.

The image of ripples reaching a wider coastline gives success a larger field of consequences than failure. Achievement is presented as dangerous because its effects spread. The comparison challenges uncomplicated praise of success by drawing attention to what its greater reach may disturb.

Context reviewed

Share this quote