The phrase “Failure is not an option” has become a powerful motto for determination, discipline, and high-stakes perseverance. Whether you’re referencing its NASA roots or using it as personal motivation, these quotes offer short, funny, historical, and deeply inspiring takes on this bold mindset.
✨ Failure Is Not an Option Quotes Short
Quick and punchy for bios, mantras, or quick motivation.
- “Failure? Not on my watch.”
- “Quitting isn’t in the plan.”
- “No retreat. No surrender.”
- “Push forward. No fallback.”
- “Fall? Maybe. Fail? Never.”
😂 Failure Is Not an Option Quotes Funny
Humor meets hustle with these light-hearted takes.
- “Failure is not an option—unless it comes with snacks.”
- “Failure is not an option, but panic definitely is.”
- “I tried failure. Didn’t like the taste.”
- “Failure is not an option—because I already used up my excuses.”
- “Failure is not an option, it’s a plot twist.”
🧠 Who Said “Failure Is Not an Option” Quotes
The phrase was popularized by Gene Kranz, NASA Flight Director during the Apollo 13 mission. While not spoken during the mission itself, it became iconic after being featured in the movie Apollo 13 (1995).
- “Failure is not an option.” – Gene Kranz (as portrayed by Ed Harris)
- “This crew is coming home. Failure is not an option.” – Apollo 13
🌕 Failure Is Not an Option Quote Apollo 13
From space crisis to leadership legacy, these quotes commemorate the Apollo 13 mission.
- “With three astronauts in peril, we had one job: bring them home.”
- “Apollo 13 wasn’t about perfection. It was about persistence.”
- “We didn’t plan for failure, we planned for solutions.”
- “Failure was never a Plan B.”
- “The sky wasn’t the limit—it was the goal.”
📖 Failure Is Not an Option Meaning
This phrase means more than just grit—it’s about commitment. It’s a mindset where no matter the challenge, giving up is never a viable path. It’s a declaration of absolute resolve to find a way forward—no matter how impossible it may seem.
🛰️ Failure Is Not an Option NASA
This phrase is forever tied to NASA and the heroic efforts of Apollo 13’s ground crew.
- “We were the voice from Earth when hope seemed distant.”
- “NASA turned crisis into comeback.”
- “No manuals. No margin for error. Just minds and mission.”
- “NASA taught us that teamwork can outrun failure.”
- “Failure is not an option—it’s a call to innovate.”
💪 Failure Motivational Quotes
Quotes to push you past the fear of failure and toward achievement.
- “You never fail unless you quit.”
- “Success is built on mountains of failed attempts.”
- “Each failure teaches the lessons success hides.”
- “Don’t fear failure—fear regret.”
- “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
🎬 Failure Is Not an Option Movie Quote
From the 1995 film Apollo 13, Ed Harris (as Gene Kranz) famously declares:
“Failure is not an option.”
This line became a rallying cry for perseverance, leadership, and the power of preparation in high-stakes moments.
🧾 Final Words
“Failure is not an option” is more than a quote—it’s a mindset for mission-critical thinking, fierce determination, and pushing past limits. Whether you’re leading a team or chasing your dreams, let this mantra fuel your journey.