Playing tennis, I didn't tie in my self-worth into winning or losing matches.
Martina NavratilovaRead
If I feel strongly, I say it. I know I can do more good by being vocal than by staying quiet. I'd have a whole lot more money if I lied, but I wouldn't enjoy spending it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of expressing one's beliefs and truths rather than remaining silent for the sake of comfort or profit.
Martina Navratilova's quote highlights the value of being outspoken about one's convictions, suggesting that speaking out can lead to more positive outcomes than silence, even if it may not always be financially beneficial. She reflects on the moral integrity of honesty over material gain and expresses that true enjoyment comes from being authentic rather than suppressing one's voice for personal gain.
Themes
CourageHonestyExpressionAuthenticityAdvocacy
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about leadership, one might say, 'As Martina Navratilova reminds us, if we feel strongly, we must voice our beliefs to make a difference.'
More from Martina Navratilova
All quotes βI just wanted to play tennis. It wasn't a job. It was an ambition. I knew I could make money at it. I was 18 - old enough to think I could do it, young enough not to consider the consequences.
Martina NavratilovaRead
To those people doubting Serena Williams, writing her off - do not do that to a champion.
Martina NavratilovaRead
I can teach many sports, but obviously, tennis is the one. When you do other sports, you see things from different perspectives: different footwork drills, body positions, angles and geometry. All that stuff is helpful, and so when I do other sports, I can see things, because once you know one sport, then the other sport becomes more clear.
Martina NavratilovaRead
So many athletes are afraid to use their platform to do the right thing and speak what they feel, and that's very depressing. Sure, they are afraid of insulting people and losing money because of it, and everyone wants to make the maximum amount of money in their lifetime. But at the expense of who you are? I don't know. That just wasn't in my DNA.
Martina NavratilovaRead
I am just sorry my own mother had to live under that regime for most of her life. I was lucky. I got out and, 14 years later, Czechoslovakia became a free country. So I feel anger, even fury, at this bloody system that ruined so many people's lives for no reason whatsoever.
Martina NavratilovaRead
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