“Falling on your face is still moving forward”

“Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward” has been credited to American businessman and New England Patriots owner Victor Kiam (1926-2001) since at least 2004, but there is no evidence that Kiam originated the saying. “Falling flat on your face while trying isn’t so bad—at least you’re moving in the right direction, forward” was cited in print in 1963. “If you fall flat on your face at least you’re moving forward” was cited in print in 1984. “If you fall on your face, don’t despair. At least you are moving forward” appeared in Ann Landers’ syndicated advice column in 1990.
 
“You might as well fall flat on your face as lean over too far backward” is an older saying that has been credited to American author James Thurber (1894-1961).
 
     
13 February 1962, The Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), pg. 8, col. 4:
A thought for the day: American humorist James Thurber said: “You might as well fall flat on your face as lean over too far backward.”
 
14 July 1963, Winona (MN) Daily News, “Whimsey,” pg 15, col. 2:
Falling flat on your face while trying isn’t so bad—at least you’re moving in the right direction, forward…
 
23 June 1984, Lethbridge (Alberta) Herald, “Friends are part of success” by Wes Keeler, pg. A2, col. 7:
Campbell said the students should experiment with new activities as their interests change. “If you fall flat on your face at least you’re moving forward.”
(Mark Campbell, a guest speaker.—ed.)
 
28 May 1990, Augusta (GA) Chronicle, “Infidelity cripples marriage” by Ann Landers, pg. 18A, col. 4:
Gem of the Day (sent in by Gerald Rogers, Sikeston, Mo.): If you fall on your face, don’t despair. At least you are moving forward.
 
Google Books
Jump Start Your Brain
By Doug Hall
New York, NY: Warner Books
1995
Pg. 136:
You may fall on your face, but at least you’ll be moving forward.
   
Google Groups: rec.arts.drwho
Script Writer for FOX TV Movie
Marty Tabnik
8/28/95
(...)
* SLMR 2.1a * Falling on your face is still moving forward
   
Most Important Factor For Net Success For Realtors
THE LEADERS POST - Issue #30 - December 2, 1999
from Results-net.com
By: Doug Towes, Editor
(...)
“Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.”—
Gallagher
 
Google Books
Ask the Chiropractor
By Steven J. Pollack D. C.
Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc.
2004
Pg. 90:
Quote of the week: “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.”—Victor Kiam
 
Twitter
Steve Morozumi
‏@SFenthusiast
Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward: http://fluxlife.blogspot.com
2:28 PM - 11 Mar 09
 
Twitter
Melibean
‏@Juicebawx_Hero
Thought/feeling for today: “Even if you fall on your face you are still moving forward” Thanks inspirowolf! http://tiny.cc/inspirowolf
5:18 PM - 7 Jun 09
 
9 January 2012, Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, VA), pg. B7, col. 2:
Saturday’s Crvptoquote: EVEN IF YOU FALL ON YOUR FACE. YOU’RE STILL MOVING FORWARD.—VICTOR KIAM
 
Twitter
mufesyni
‏@mufesyni
Stay Positive…Remember, falling on your face is still moving forward!!!
3:44 AM - 19 Dec 13