In this quote, Benjamin E. Mays is recommending that failure is not the ultimate sin, but rather having low aspirations and not pursuing greatness is the true misdeed. He is highlighting the value of setting high goals and working towards them, instead of settling for mediocrity. Mays believes that it is much better to try and fail than to not attempt at all. By having low goals, one is limiting their prospective and not completely using their capabilities. This quote acts as a suggestion to constantly intend high and never ever hesitate of failure, as it is a needed step towards success.
"A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first person to be convinced of it"