Sir, – Ross Maguire (Opinion, January 11th) correctly highlights Irish difficulties in appreciating the value of failure. Yet while it is certainly true that we have a legacy that breeds conservatism and risk aversion, it is equally true that recent events have prompted worthy scepticism of excessive carefree behaviour.
Where Maguire’s argument falls short is in failing to distinguish between what might be called destructive failure and constructive failure.
Destructive failure is founded upon greed, arrogance, and recklessness of the Celtic tiger ilk. By contrast, constructive failure is a legitimate failure associated with authentic and well-intentioned efforts at value creation. Whereas destructive failures are value dissipating and deserve the full wrath of traditional criticism, constructive failures merit greater recognition and encouragement as the foundations for future success. Ultimately, the true challenge is not simply to appreciate failure, but to learn from it. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN HARNEY,
Business School,
Dublin City University,
Dublin 9.