I was always the kid dribbling the ball on the sidelines, hoping someone would pick me. I'd go with my older brother to the gym or park, and when I went out there, I'd pass the ball so I could get picked again.
John StocktonRead
You can't afford to hop around and act like a kid when you have to get back on defense and worry about the other parts of the game. But at the end, when the buzzer sounds, you have the luxury of hopping around and looking foolish for a while.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Maturity involves balancing serious responsibilities with moments of lightheartedness.
This quote reflects the importance of prioritizing responsibilities and taking the game of life seriously, especially when facing challenges and obligations. However, it also highlights that after fulfilling important duties, there is value in celebrating and enjoying life, even if it means acting a bit foolish at times.
Themes
BalanceResponsibilityPlayLifeMaturity
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to highlight the importance of balancing work and play.
More from John Stockton
All quotes →You don't get this opportunity many times in life to compete against the best in the world every night. I certainly didn't expect to have 10 or 11 years of chances at it, so I don't want to take that for granted.
John StocktonRead
Why was I able to be able to pass? What did I do right that allowed me to make a pass - any given pass? There's balance; there's vision.
John StocktonRead
I never thought I'd make it in the NBA, so everything else is gravy.
John StocktonRead
I don't think about the record, because winning games has to be our focus, and if we lost focus thinking about that record, I would really regret it. How will I feel later on? People tell me it will mean a lot after I retire, for the kids and me. But to me, it's just a stat. It's something people enjoy talking about. Me? I just enjoy playing.
John StocktonRead
Similar quotes
Much reading has brought upon us a learned barbarism.
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Now the skies could fall _x000D_ Not even if my boss should call _x000D_ The world it seems so very small _x000D_ 'Cause nothing even matters at all
Lauryn HillRead
To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge.
Benjamin DisraeliRead
Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
It isn't really important to decide when you are very young just exactly what you want to become when you grow up. It is much more important to decide on the way you want to live. If you are going to be honest with yourself and honest with your friends, if you are going to get involved in causes which are good for others, not only for yourselves, then it seems to me that that is sufficient, and maybe what you will be is only a matter of chance.
Golda MeirRead