Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Elon Musk Quote Urges Action Despite Likely Failure
Elon Musk is a technology entrepreneur who leads companies involved in rockets, electric cars, and artificial intelligence.
In 2012, he spoke about trying difficult things even when failure seemed likely.
He said that important goals are worth pursuing.
At the time, SpaceX had already experienced three failed rocket launches.
The company was close to running out of money.
Its fourth launch succeeded.
Musk’s quote means that people should not always avoid a meaningful challenge just because it is risky.
It encourages people to act when they believe a goal truly matters.
Elon Musk said, “If something's important enough, you should try. Even if the probable outcome is failure.”
He made the statement during a 2012 interview with Scott Pelley on 60 Minutes.
Musk was discussing SpaceX after its first three rocket launches failed.
SpaceX nearly went bankrupt before its fourth launch succeeded.
The quote argues that important goals can justify taking risks despite uncertain results.
- Who
- Elon Musk, interviewed by 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley.
- What
- Musk said people should try to achieve important goals even when failure is probable.
- When
- During a 2012 television interview.
- Where
- On the American news program 60 Minutes.
- Why
- He was explaining why he continued pursuing spaceflight after SpaceX’s first three rocket launches failed.
- Quote
- “If something's important enough, you should try. Even if the probable outcome is failure.”
- Speaker
- Elon Musk
- Interview date
- 2012
- Program
- 60 Minutes
- Interviewer
- Scott Pelley
- SpaceX launches
- The first three rocket launches failed; the fourth succeeded.
- Companies associated with Musk
- SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, The Boring Company, and xAI