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About this quote

What does it mean?
I don’t want to be remembered for tennis; it was selfish, not a societal contribution.
In plain terms
He sees his sport as a personal pursuit, not a public good.
What can you take from it?
Personal achievements may feel selfish without broader impact.

Where it applies

  • post‑career reflections
  • philanthropic decisions

Putting it to work

  • seek ways to give back
  • reframe personal success as service

Questions to consider

  • How do you measure societal contribution?
  • Can personal excellence inspire others?

Another view

May undervalue the inspirational value of sport.

More from Arthur Ashe

  1. 'Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental …

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  2. 'A wise person decides slowly but abides by these decisions.'

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. 'The ideal attitude is to be physically loose and mentally tight.'

    Permalink to quote #17

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