The winners at the Olympics step up, bursting with pride, because everything that they have worked for and all their dedication is rewarded in a climax that I, and most golfers, will never experience.
Arnold PalmerRead
I never heard Jack Nicklaus say, 'I'm a great player,' or Tiger Woods, as a matter of fact. They just get out and do it. And I think that's far more appealing... than talking about how good you are.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness is demonstrated through actions rather than self-promotion.
In this quote, Arnold Palmer emphasizes the value of humility and the importance of letting one's achievements speak for themselves. By citing the examples of legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, he highlights that their actions, rather than their words, define their greatness, suggesting that authenticity and performance are more admirable than boasting about one’s abilities.
Themes
HumilityGreatnessSuccessActionsAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
When giving a speech about teamwork, I could use this quote to encourage team members to focus on their contributions rather than just discussing their capabilities.
More from Arnold Palmer
All quotes →Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.
Arnold PalmerRead
Look at the better players of my era - Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd. They had pros they worked with from time to time, but out on Tour, thousands of miles from home, each of them learned to be his own best coach. I think Tiger can do the same.
Arnold PalmerRead
The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.
Arnold PalmerRead
Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.
Arnold PalmerRead
When you lose the ability to step up and hit the ball as hard and as far as you want, that also affects your ability to will the ball to go where you want it to go, if you know what I mean.
Arnold PalmerRead
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