The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed

The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed

In the novel "Mr. Pip" by Lloyd Jones, the theme of taking action and facing failure is a central aspect of the story. The quote "The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed" is particularly relevant in the context of the protagonist, Mr. Watts, and his efforts to educate the children of a war-torn village in Bougainville.

Mr. Watts, a white man living in a predominantly black village, takes on the task of teaching the children using Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations" as the primary text. Despite facing resistance and skepticism from the villagers, Mr. Watts persists in his efforts to provide the children with an education and a sense of hope in the midst of chaos and violence.

Throughout the novel, Mr. Watts encounters numerous challenges and setbacks in his attempts to educate the children. He faces opposition from the village elders, who view his teachings as a threat to their traditional way of life. Despite this, Mr. Watts continues to teach the children, believing that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and change.