Who said “I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.”?

Verified

John Keats. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceTo James Hessey (9 October 1818)

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For academic work, cite the original where you can: To James Hessey (9 October 1818).

APA

Keats, J. (n.d.). I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/16295-i-would-sooner-fail-than-not-be-among/

MLA

Keats, John. “I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/16295-i-would-sooner-fail-than-not-be-among/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Keats, John. “I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/16295-i-would-sooner-fail-than-not-be-among/.

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