You've got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing.
Arthur AsheRead
True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True heroism involves selfless service rather than competition or dramatic acts.
Arthur Ashe's quote emphasizes that real heroism is not about seeking glory or surpassing others; rather, it is rooted in the desire to serve and uplift others without the need for recognition. This perspective redefines what it means to be a hero, moving away from the dramatic image often associated with heroism and highlighting the quiet and humble acts of service that truly make a difference.
Themes
HeroismServiceSelflessnessCourageLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership conference, this quote can remind participants that true leaders prioritize the welfare of others.
More from Arthur Ashe
All quotes βA wise person decides slowly but abides by these decisions.
Arthur AsheRead
When we were together, I loved you deeply and you gave me so much happiness I can never repay you.
Arthur AsheRead
I have always tried to be true to myself, to pick those battles I felt were important. My ultimate responsibility is to myself. I could never be anything else.
Arthur AsheRead
It is not just the more talented player who wins. Some players may try a little harder.
Arthur AsheRead
Trust has to be earned, and should come only after the passage of time.
Arthur AsheRead
Similar quotes
I warn you against shedding blood, indulging in it and making a habit of it, for blood never sleeps.
SaladinRead
Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
Dwight D. EisenhowerRead
The struggle against patriarchy and racism must be substantively robust and inextricably intertwined.
Kimberle Williams CrenshawRead
The Vietnamese have a secret weapon. It's their willingness to die beyond our willingness to kill. In effect, they've been saying, You can kill us, but you'll have to kill a lot of us; you may have to kill all of us. And, thank heaven, we are not yet ready to do that.
George WaldRead
I was scared many times on Everest, but this is all part of the challenge. When I fell down a crevasse, it was pretty scary.
Edmund HillaryRead
I hate cowardice; I will have nothing to do with cowards or political nonsense.
Swami VivekanandaRead