This article was originally published in Figaro Magazine

Failure is a challenge, success a reassurance

Nicolas Sarkozy

“I never lose. Either I win or I learn. “Nelson Mandela’s words are echoed by many political figures, including Nicolas Sarkozy. It’s easy to understand why, given that defeat in politics can be synonymous with the end of a career.

Two journalists, Catherine Mangin and Élizabeth Martichoux, set out to find out how those who have been through what seems like a traumatic experience have managed to pick themselves up and get over it before taking up the fight again. Their book, The Art of Losing in Politics (Stock)is packed with anecdotes and comments from these personalities, whose common denominator is that they never admit defeat and never give up. In this respect, the examples come from a wide range of backgrounds. François Mitterrand or Jacques Chirac, who waited until their third candidacy for the Élysée before conquering supreme power.

Without having climbed so high, Laurence Rossignol