Top elites fear failure: South Korean institute studies why successful people break down in middle age

In a world that often equates success with an "error-free life," a unique institution in South Korea is turning conventional wisdom on its head by establishing a dedicated research body to study "failure." The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has created a formal research institute focused on understanding why top-tier talent, particularly those who excelled academically, often face severe anxiety and even mid-life crises when confronted with setbacks.

“

The intolerance of failure rigid culture and high-pressure for results are the biggest problems faced by gifted students.

Co-authored by KAIST professors Cho Sung-ho and Lee Kwang-hyung, the book "It's Okay to Be Wrong: Why the More Successful People Are Afraid to Fail" delves into this phenomenon. The authors reveal that a "rigid culture of intolerance for failure" and "high-pressure for results" are significant challenges for gifted students. Many who have rarely experienced failure during their formative years find even minor setbacks overwhelming, struggling to overcome negative emotions.

“

It's Okay to Be Wrong: Why the More Successful People Are Afraid to Fail

This suppressed vulnerability, the researchers suggest, can transform into unbearable pressure in the complex competitive landscape of mid-career professional life. The book highlights that South Korea's rapid economic growth, fueled by an efficient education and industrial policy, fostered a value system where "absolute avoidance of failure" became deeply ingrained. This model, while effective in resource-scarce times, has created a societal expectation that favors a singular path to success.

“

The success formula of the past is often no longer a safe haven in middle age.

The authors argue that traditional motivational narratives, such as "success is guaranteed with enough effort," often overlook crucial factors like background, resource disparities, and changing societal conditions. This can lead individuals who encounter setbacks to internalize blame. They advocate for educational and social systems that provide safe spaces for trial and error, allowing individuals to reintegrate after failures rather than being permanently stigmatized. The goal is to create a society that embraces diverse paces and directions of growth, ultimately preventing talented individuals from collapsing under immense pressure.

“

Education and social systems need to provide more spaces for safe trial and error.